Atherton LR advanced to the second round of the FA Vase after another giant-killing performance, winning 2-1 against higher-division opposition in the shape of Colne.

Both sides looked to attack in the opening stages and Jordyn Fitton’s free-kick into the home penalty area was headed just wide by Jack Massey, while at the other end Colne needed to clear some dangerous crosses from corners by the home side.

And LR came close after 15 minutes when Brandon Dawson cut in from the left and fired a shot just wide.

Hosts LR edged in front on 25 minutes. A quick attack down the wing was halted by a foul on the edge of the box and Joe Bacon stepped up with a cheeky attempt from the free-kick as the ball was curled into the bottom left corner and evaded keeper Alfie Smith’s glove.

Two minutes later, the home side went close again when Smith made a great save to beat away a narrow-angled shot by Harvey Brookes to prevent a second goal.

LR went into the break ahead, however after only 10 minutes of second-half action, Premier Division Colne broke on the counter attack and found themselves in a similar one-on-one situation, however this time the ball was juggled past Joe Bickerstaffe by Cole Exley to level the scores.

The home side, fuelled by the crowd’s noise, pushed onwards and in the closing stages, another break saw Tom Romano cut inside before being brought down, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.

He stepped up but a brilliant save by Smith denied LR.

This setback only fuelled Romano on as seven minutes later, he fired an absolute screamer from 25 yards that flew into the net.

Amidst the nerves, the referee blew the final whistle and sent NWCFL First Division North Atherton LR into the next round.

Following the game, manager Dave Jones said: “I am delighted - I thought we were really good right from the start.

“I think in the second half it became a proper cup tie with both teams going for it trying to get into the next round.”

“I thought it was disappointing [Colne goal], for as good as we were I thought we were relentless throughout and much the better side.

“In the second half for the first 10 minutes, I thought we were quite poor to then go and concede is disappointing.

“But you’ve got to keep going and find a way, there’s no time to feel sorry for yourself.

“The lads kept going and secured it in the end with a great Tom Romano finish.”

LR return to league action On Saturday when as they visit Maghull (3pm).