Atherton LR maintained their 100-per-cent home record on Saturday with a 2-0 win against NWCFL First Division North’s second-placed team, Holker Old Boys.

In a clash between the top two, the first chance came for Holker as a chipped through ball by Luke Mitchell met Tom Dawson, whose shot scraped past the post.

LR built up on the counter attack and after some lovely skill and turn into the box by Tom Romano, he was taken down by a clumsy tackle and a penalty was awarded on 15 minutes.

Harvey Sample stepped up at the spot and hit the back of the net, giving LR the advantage.

The hosts then went for goal again and narrowly missed, hitting the post.

But the pressure did not stop going into half time as a good ball and run allowed for a shot, but the Holker keeper was able to just get to it.

In the second half, the pressure continued as LR created more chances but could not find the back of the net.

Another good chance after some nice team play allowed Harvey Brookes space in the box but his effort just missed the post.

The hosts made most of the play and in the first added minute of stoppage time they wrapped up the points.

Kyle Robinson-Murray chipped the ball over the defensive line to send Brandon Dawson through to slot the ball past the keeper and kill the game.

Manager Dave Jones was delighted with the result and said: “In the first half, the performance was really strong.

“We’ve had a clean week to prepare with a double session with the lads working so hard, seeing that first half especially the shape of the ball as we know they play quite narrow.

“In the second half we weren’t as good on the ball but it was an intense game, a lot of balls coming into our box at the end, they were relentless.

“But the lads stood up, showed great character and great resilience again defending.

“I am really proud of them there for how strong they stood.”

Next up for LR is a trip to Abbey Hey in the FA Vase second round on Saturday (3pm).