POOR defending cost Atherton LR all three points against struggling Formby.

Jim Persechino opened the scoring with a 20-yard strike, but Formby levelled before half time when Richie Peters found space at the back post.

A defensive lapse on 62 minutes allowed Phil Toale to give Formby the lead, but LR dragged themselves back into it with a Craig Coote penalty.

Neil Smith restored the visitors lead five minutes before the end only for Coote to convert a second penalty when Mark Kenny was sent off for deliberate handball.

l Will Archer scored twice for Daisy Hill as they picked up a rare 2-0 victory at Cheadle Town.

Atherton LR 3 Formby 3