A return of both league football and winning ways for Atherton LR as they ran out 2-1 winners in a dominant performance against newly-relegated Skelmersdale United, writes Kaden Openshaw.

LR set the game off and running early with some fantastic passing plays that found Luke Nicholls under pressure in the box but a mistimed shot made for an easy low save for the Skem keeper

The game’s account was opened after a swift cut inside by Brandon Dawson was curled into the bottom right corner to give LR a well-deserved lead, a great goal to begin the season tally!

LR kept the pressure piling with some fantastic domination in the midfield by Kyle Robinson-Murray who picked out perfect passes repeatedly, however some incredible goalkeeping by Skelmersdale’s Barnes who denied LR a chance to strengthen their lead.

Coming into the second half, the tempo didn’t seem to switch at all as it was right back to LR dominating the game, however it only takes one chance as Skelmersdale capitalised on a misjudged cross and they pounced on the loose ball to level the score after only five minutes, frustration for LR who had fought so hard to stay in front.

However, despite the setback LR turned the game right back into their favour and after five minutes a picture-perfect low cross into the box by Chadwick found Luke Nicholls who curled the ball past the Skem keeper to put LR right back in the driving seat.

a significant setback for Skelmersdale as they went down to 10 men after an off the ball incident resulted in Mills seeing red for an elbow spotted by the linesman.

Despite an overwhelming amount of chances, the game finished 2-1 to LR who put in a brilliant performance to earn a deserved three points.

Manager Dave Jones said: “Delighted to get the three points, that’s what it about isn’t it?”

“Six weeks of long hard work by the players and the staff who’ve been absolutely fantastic.”

He added: “We had to weather that storm at the end but you have to find ways to win games and I’m really happy with them to get the first three points.

“I felt like we did keep our performance levels high and quickly got a goal again to make it 2-1 and we could’ve had more there, but the challenge is to start making sure some of the chances go into the back of the net.”