Atherton LR got back to winning ways on the road in Yorkshire on Monday night as they advanced to the quarter-finals of the Edward Case Cup with a 2-1 win at Route One Rovers.
The tempo began in LR’s favour with some rapid wing attacks by Cristian Mukoko and Harvey Brookes who worked to launch balls into the box.
However, some quick thinking stops by Route One keeper Dane Byron denied LR the early lead they craved.
As the half-hour approached, LR kept their high press up which earned them a free-kick at the edge of the box after Tom Romano was chopped down.
The resulting free-kick found its way to Owen Green at the edge of the box whose shot ricochet off of the hand of Route One defender, Jonathan Mwembie, giving the referee no choice but to point to the penalty spot.
Harvey Sample stepped up and coolly slotted away his 11th goal of the season.
Route One showed their physical side in the closing stages of the half as forward Danyal Yasin fought his way into the box to earn the hosts a chance to get level, but some quick thinking by a returning Joe Bickerstaffe allowed him to smother the ball.
Returning from the break, the tempo stayed in LR’s favour with some rapid counter-attacks finding their way into the box.
And one such cross found Joe Bacon in the goalmouth and he converted the shot, but was deemed offside by the assistant referee.
This setback spurred Bacon on as only a minute later, some fantastic midfield work by Owen Green and Lance Houghton pushed a through ball to him and he made a 25-yard dash to the net. Despite being under pressure, he snuck the ball past the keeper and doubled LR’s advantage.
Route One were able to pull themselves back into the game in the closing 10 minutes when a quick cross found its way into the box and following a scramble, was poked in by Yasin.
However, through LR’s valiant defending and eagerness to see the game out, the Yellows survived and earned their spot in the last eight of the competition.
Following the game, manager Dave Jones showed his appreciation for the side.
He said: “I thought it was another really strong performance, we were delighted to go 2-0 up.
“It’s a really difficult trip but we weren’t planning on making that an excuse tonight and we’re really grateful for everyone who came down to support us.”
LR return to action on Saturday when they host Ashton Town in the FA Vase third round (3pm).
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