Atherton LR maintained their unbeaten run in NWCFL First Division North with a 3-0 win on the road at Route One Rovers on Saturday.

There was an early chance in Yorkshire for the visitors when Tom Romano cut inside and barely missed the target.

The momentum was with the away side and after 16 minutes Route One player Kamrahn Kahn received a red card after serious foul play on George Chadwick, this also resulted in Anees Younis receiving a sin bin for dissent.

After 32 minutes, with the opposition down to 10 men and constant pressure from the LR, a breakthrough came through Lance Houghton after a beautiful corner was swung in by Kyle Robinson-Murray for a back-post header past the keeper.

Just before the teams headed off the pitch for half time, LR doubled their advantage.

After some nifty footwork, Harvey Sample was able to unleash a powerful strike which rattled the back of the net.

After half time, the LR pressure continued as Robinson-Murray unleashed a strike that was saved by the Route One goalkeeper.

Just before the hour mark, a great run into the box by Romano was stopped abruptly by two home defenders, causing him to go down and a penalty to be awarded by the referee.

Romano stepped up to score, ending the contest for the home side and giving LR a well-deserved 3-0 win.

Manager Dave Jones said: “I didn’t really enjoy it, it wasn’t the best game of football to watch from the side.

“The red card changes it, early doors then they get a lad sin-binned and go down to nine so everyone’s behind the ball and the question then is can we break them down?

“The players have done well - it’s something we’ve improved upon over the summer is discipline and being in control of our emotions.

“I think when you’re in control emotionally of yourself it leads to a better performance.

“You don’t want to pick up a silly red card or a silly suspension but overall I’m delighted, that takes us 10, 11 games unbeaten and that’s difficult at any level.”