Atherton LR pushed aside top-flight opposition as they claimed their first win of pre-season in a dominant display against Glossop North End.

Glossop almost picked up an early goal following a long drive down the wing, but the final-third shot flew past the post.

The visitors continued to find space outside the box following some lacklustre defending from LR, but they were unable to divert their chances into goals, leading to frustration for the Glossop manager who demanded more from his team.

The opening goal came late in the first half following a corner swung-in by Kyle Robinson-Murray which picked out captain Lewis Adams and he diverted the ball into the back of the net for a narrow advantage at the break.

In the second half, a Glossop clearance found their striker who created a one-on-one situation, but a scuffed shot made an easy stop for Joe Bickerstaffe - a really big miss for Glossop and further frustration on the sidelines.

A through ball for LR found Luke Nicholls in a similar situation, and the forward danced around the Glossop keeper and tucked away LR’s second goal expertly.

Glossop did find a chance eventually and despite a strong hand by Bickerstaffe the ball snuck into the corner to pull one back.

But the two-goal advantage was regained when an under-pressure Christian Mukoko was able to get a shot away into the bottom corner to seal the result for LR.

Assistant manager Gareth Flitcroft admitted the first half was more of a learning curve post-match but was pleased with the display.

He said: “It probably took us a little while to settle into the game.

“We had to adapt to their shape, how we pressed, and I think after 30 minutes we began to be a bit more patient in our possession.

“Against really tough opponents, you could see the tempo of the game was high, so it was how we adjusted to that knowing when to settle it down in possession and when to speed up our attacks.

“But overall I’m very happy. Credit to the lads, they adapted really well, in the context of pre-season.

“It was a really good friendly because it showed you situations where the lads had to prepare for and adjust to for the season.”

Next up is a trip to Burscough for LR on Saturday.

Flitcroft added: “They’ll be really strong, they’ve got a really good squad.

“It’s interesting because we’ll be there the following Saturday for Skelmersdale away, so it’s getting used to the change in surface on 4G.”