Atherton LR 3 Atherton Town 0 ATHERTON LR showed their superior skill to win the inaugural final of the Goldline Trophy.

In front of 1,100 spectators at Leigh RMI's Hilton Park ground, the NW Trains division one side always had the upper hand over their neighbours from the Manchester League.

LR dominated the opening minutes of the game and the first action came as Town keeper Gary Osborne was forced into a superb save tipping Neil Wallace's effort over the bar. Dave Richardson kept up the pressure only to fire over but in the 36th minute LR went ahead when Frank Bird produced super control to dummy past the keeper and shoot home.

Town hit back immediately and asked for a penalty when Steve Crilly was brought down but ref Paul Brabin was on the spot to reject their claims.

Steve Cunningham put another LR effort just the wrong side of the post and although Town kept up a battling display they finally fell to a killer goal just before the break.

Osborne elected to go for a corner but misjudged the ball and Steve Dixon was perfectly placed to head home. From that point on it was an uphill struggle for brave Town but they did manage to contain most of LR's second-half attacks.

They had no chance, however, with the third goal as left back Anthony Smith fastened on to Steve Cunningham's knocked back pass to hit a thundering left foot shot past the stranded Osborne.

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