Pre-Season Matches
Saturday 19th July
Home v Gap Connah's Quay (Friendly) 3 - 4
The strong westerly wind blowing across the pitch
was certain to influence the game and players would have to try and keep the
ball at a low level.
The Atherton line-up contained many new faces as would be expected during the
pre-season period. Although the twenty named in the programme did include
players from last term, namely Ross McNair, Nail Callaghan, Phil Howard and
Chris Brinksman. Former LR favourite Paul Crompton also started the game.
Atherton were into action very soon and after only 4 minutes a Paul Crompton
free kick was deflected for a corner. On ten minutes the home side took the lead
when the visitors defence was breached and new signing Nathan Ardayfio slotted
home a close range shot. The visitors responded with a series of attacks and on
29 minutes were awarded a penalty for handball which Aden Shannon converted. LR
were unfortunate not to restore their lead immediately when a pass from Nail
Callaghan found Paul Crewe in the 18 yard box whose goal bound chip over the
advancing keeper was carried outside the far post by the wind. Connah's Quay
took the lead on 35 minutes when the ever dangerous Aden Shannon was left
unmarked to score his second goal. The Atherton side drew level 2 minutes before
the interval when a accurate cross from Callaghan found Dominic Smalley out on
the right, who hit a volleyed shot into the visitors goal.
Half Time 2-2
During the interval Atherton Manager Dave Hughes made 8 changes, but also during
the second period brought players back on to play in different positions they
had occupied during the first half. The early exchanges went predominantly the
way of LR and the visitors goalkeeper was kept busy. Connah's Quay were always
dangerous on the break and Chris Brinksman who replaced Lewis Bishop in the
Atherton goal, was called upon to make a two footed save from a Connah's Quay
attack and the danger was cleared. The visitors took a deserved lead on 57
minutes when Shannon completed his hat-trick. LR responded when a long range
shot brought an excellent save from the visitors keeper. LR levelled the score
when an unselfish cross from Ben Hyde found Phil Howard who hit a powerful shot
into the Connah's Quay goal. Howard was unfortunate not to double his tally with
10 minutes of the match remaining, his chipped shot hit the bar and a defenders
efforts to clear the danger resulted in the ball hitting the bar for a second
time and bouncing into the path of the advancing Howard who's follow-up shot was
deflected for a corner. The visitors sealed victory with a goal from Danny Forde
with 5 minutes remaining.
Full-Time 3-4
In his post-match comments Dave Hughes said "Considering most of our players
have stepped up from the lower levels they have done really well, it has been a
good workout for us, tired legs and some refereeing decisions have cost us a
draw if not a win"
(match report from Eddie Taylor)
Monday 21st July
Home v Prescot Cables (Friendly) 3 - 3
The visitors squad comprised a mixture of first
team regular's and reserves. Conditions were ideal for some entertaining
football on a warm summers evening.
The home side dominated the early exchanges, a powerful Phil Howard shot after 5
minutes was deflected for a corner, minutes later a hard low drive by Paul Crewe
appeared to be tipped round the post by the Prescot goalkeeper, but the referee
awarded a goal kick. This was followed up by another LR attack instigated by
Niall Callaghan with a through ball to Paul Crewe who's shot was parried once
more round the post for a corner. Atherton were clearly signalling their intent
and Crewe was proving a handful for the Prescot defence. The game was ten
minutes old before the visitors mounted their first serious attack. On 18
minutes Lewis Bishop in the LR goal pulled off a brilliant save when a Prescot
striker was allowed space and had a clear goal scoring opportunity only to have
his effort thwarted when Bishop came out and smothered the ball. After 22
minutes Phil Howard was unfortunate to see his thunderbolt shot rebound off the
bar. The rebound was followed up by Paul Crewe who hit a powerful shot goalwards
and the Prescot keeper could only push the ball out into the path of Howard who
was adjudged to be in an offside position by the linesman. The visitors were
awarded their first corner after 25 minutes but the LR defence cleared the
danger. Ten minutes of the half remained when Niall Callaghan cutting in from
the left crossed to Paul Crewe on the edge of the 18 yard box who hit the ball
hard and low to give the home side a deserved lead. Phil Howard nearly increased
the lead when he met a Paul Crewe cross, only to see his header crash against
the bar. On the stroke of half time Prescot had another narrow escape when a
Crewe shot went in off the post only for it to be disallowed for offside.
Half Time 1-0
Atherton Manager Dave Hughes made a few changes during the interval bringing on
James Appleton, Rueben Midgely, Chris Lowe, Jake Pattern and Ben Hyde. Prescot
stepped up a gear during the opening minutes and continued to press for an
equaliser. After 55 minutes a poor back pass to the LR goalkeeper nearly
resulted in Prescot levelling the score. On 60 minutes Dominic Smalley was
brought on again to replace Niall Callaghan who was suffering from a thigh
strain. On 63 minutes Prescot got their reward for persistent pressure when Sam
Gifford equalised from close range. Atherton responded immediately on 65 minutes
when a few kick 10 yards outside the penalty area was struck by Phil Howard into
the bottom right hand corner to put LR back in front. After 68 minutes the home
side made two further substitutions. Two minutes later Atherton had a let off
when Prescot's Lee Thompson from close range fired a shot just past the post. On
71 minutes Paul Crewe came on to replace Phil Howard. On 73 minutes the ever
threatening Prescot striker Thompson pulled the visitors level once more when he
hit a bouncing ball into the bottom right hand corner of the LR nets. This
encouraged the visitors to go for a third goal and they mounted a number of
attacks spear headed by the dangerous runs of Sam Gifford who was allowed too
much space on the left flank. With 10 minutes of the game remaining Atherton
restored their advantage when a cross from the left rolled along the goal line
for Ben Hyde to tap into the goal. Prescot refused to accept defeat and 5
minutes later drew level when Lee Thompson scored his second goal of the match
and poked the ball home from 5 yards out.
Full Time 3-3
Another encouraging display from Atherton LR with long periods of skilful and
attractive football, especially in the first period.
Manager Dave Hughes commented after the game in a post match interview. "We were
very pleased with the first half and we can really build on that. We passed it
round very well and could have scored three in the first 15 minutes and been 3-0
up at half time. In the second half I gave the lads a game again but because of
tired legs.......but we can definitely kick on from there"
(Match Report from Eddie Taylor)
Wednesday 23rd July
Home v Hindsford AFC (Goldline Trophy) 4 - 3
LR picked up their first win of the pre-season and started their Goldline Trophy campaign with three points.
The opening 20 minutes completely belonged to the Atherton side as they created numerous chances, hitting wide or forcing visiting keeper Rob Valentine into action. However, the only advantage came in the 5th minute when a cross from the right side was headed back across the goal and Paul Crewe turned it in. Hindsford gradually pulled themselves into the game, Grant Willett forcing a good save from Lewis Bishop and another effort hitting the top of the crossbar. They levelled the game when an attempt to clear a Hindsford attack was intercepted and the ball worked across from the left side to Luke Sylvester who found plenty of space on the edge of the area and curled a shot round the LR keeper and in. Hindsfords tails were up and they played with more confidence, but LR went into the break ahead when a quick break saw Paul Crompton charge down the left side before sending a cross into the area. Defender Leon Partington either tried to put the ball out of play or hit it back to his keeper, but instead blasted it into his own net.
Half time 2 - 1
The first 20 minutes or so of the second half saw little goalmouth action as both teams worked hard but both conceded possession too easily and neither keeper was troubled. Hindsford were the first to threaten, first when a quick break down the right side ended with a high cross to the far side of the area where Anthony Taylor hit goalwards. It seemed the ball would go in at the far post, but Craig Ward had got back for Atherton and hooked the ball clear. Hindsford's Luke Sylvester had a shot well saved by Bishop following another breakaway attack. With both sides making substitutions, the game gradually turned more in LR's favour. A third goal was added after a free kick was awarded on the right side, following a foul on substitute Ben Hyde. The ball was curled into the area where Hyde himself headed home under pressure from a defender. Jake Patton hit a curling shot just wide for LR and everyone expected a fourth when Hyde and Patton broke through the defence, but a poor final pass allowed the lone defender to clear. Two minutes from time Atherton added the fourth. Another free kick was sent into the area and although the Hindsford defence kept half clearing the ball, it was sent back in a number of times, until it reached Hyde on the six yard line and he hooked it past the keeper. Hindsford went on the attack straight from kick off and a long ball was sent forwards for Danny Babilinski to chase. The Hindsford man did well under pressure and hit a perfect shot over Bishop and in. There was just time for the game to kick off again when the final whistle went.
Final score 4 - 2
A video of Hindsfords first goal and of both of Ben Hyde's goals can be seen online by clicking HERE
LR team - Lewis Bishop, Simon Howard, Nathan Ardayfio, Lee Skett, Ross McNair, Craig Ward, Dominic Smalley, Louis Edwards, Paul Crewe, Phil Howard, Paul Crompton Subs Scott McGowan, Nial Callaghan, Jake Patton, Chris Lowe, Ben Hyde
Saturday 26th July
Home v Leigh Genesis Reserves 1 - 2
The teams took the field on a warm, sunny and hot afternoon with
temperatures into the eighties. Atherton LR had Dean Alexander and Danny Smith
making their debut. The ever reliable Ross McNair captained the side for the
fourth successive game.
During the opening minutes of play neither side showed early domination, however
the Leigh side had the first opportunity to score on 7 minutes when a left sided
cross rolled along the Atherton goal mouth with no one available to finish the
move off. Two minutes later the visitors did open the scoring, when at the
second attempt Joe Fielding hit a close range shot past an outstretched Lewis
Bishop in the LR goal. On 14 minutes the home side mounted an attack instigated
by Phil Howard on the left with a pass to Crompton just inside the 18 yard box,
but his shot was deflected for a corner. The subsequent corner brought debutant
Danny Smith into action, but his header went well past the post. The hot
atmospheric conditions were reflected in some of the individual exchanges and
during the first twenty minutes the referee had to speak to players from both
sides to curb some of the over zealous tackles and unnecessary retaliation. On
twenty two minutes the Genesis striker Danny Taylor had an opportunity to
increase the lead, but could only hit his shot past the left upright. After 28
minutes the referee sensibly temporarily halted play whilst the players and
officials refreshed themselves with drinks of water. Shortly after the restart
the Leigh player Sam Parkinson kicked the ball out of play after being penalised
for an infringement. The man in the middle gave Parkinson the choice of
retrieving the ball or receiving a caution, he graciously choose the former. On
38 minutes Atherton’s Dominic Smalley ran the ball into the 18 yard box and
passed to the unmarked Phil Howard, who hit the ball goalwards only to see the
ball bounce in the 10 yard area and over the bar. For the remainder of the half
the home side pressed for an equaliser, and were unfortunate to leave the pitch
with the mission unaccomplished.
Half Time 0-1
During the half time interval LR made six substitutions and the Captains armband was given to Scott McGowan. With the second half only 4 minutes old, Bishop in the Atherton nets was called upon to make two brilliant stops from two equally quality attacks by the visitors. The home side had a let off when on 53 minutes a shot by a Leigh striker hit the post and rolled along the goal line for Bishop to collect. LR hit back immediately and a delicately flighted cross from the dangerous Dominic Smalley on the right found Niall Callaghan unmarked on the opposite flank and he drove a hard low drive just past the left post. LR were now beginning to put together some quality moves, through the combination of Dean Alexander and Dominic Smalley on the right wing. Genesis were stirred into a counter attack and on 60 minutes Sam Parkinson had a golden opportunity to double the visitors lead but squandered his chance by shooting over the bar as the LR keeper advanced to narrow the angle. Two minutes later the ball was back in the Leigh territory and a run down the middle by Callaghan disappointingly ended with his long distance effort going over the bar. After 68 minutes the referee again suspended play for water refreshment. During this break Manager Dave Hughes took the opportunity to bring back on Ross McNair and Paul Crompton, McNair once again donning the Captains armband. After the break Crompton justified the Managers decision and scored a well worked equaliser with a chinking run from the left to hit his shot from 18 yards into the top right corner of the Genesis net. However Leigh restored their lead ten minutes from time when Parkinson was allowed too much room on the left and fired the ball home from 10 yards. The same player was again bearing down on goal 3 minutes later but was tackled by defender Nathan Ardayfio, appeals for a penalty by the Leigh players were ignored by the referee. A minute later Genesis sort to increase their lead when Scott Mason shot directly at Bishop and the ball rebounded off the keeper into the path of Mason, but his follow up shot went wide. LR continued to mount attacks with 5 minutes of the game remaining but unfortunately had difficulty in converting their efforts.
Full Time 1-2
Another good workout by the Atherton squad and bearing in mind that some of the players were playing their fourth game in eight days, a draw would have given a more accurate picture of the match.
Manager Dave Hughes commented after the game” I thought in the first half we played well, our final pass let us down a lot of the time. Second half we made a lot of changes again. I am satisfied where we are at the moment and we look forward to Monday.
Monday 28th July
Home v Prestwich Heys (Goldline Trophy) 0 - 3
LR's long standing inability to beat Prestwich Heys continued leaving the team a mountain to climb if they are to progress in this competition.
It took the Atherton side some time to get going with the visitors having much the better of the game and the LR defence struggling to clear their lines. However, the closest either side came in the opening minutes was a quick break away attack by LR which ended in a corner. The ball was swung into the area, but Ross McNair's header went over the bar. Prestwich continued to push against a shaky looking LR defence and it was no real surprise when, in the 10th minute, Matt Jolly put them ahead. As time went on, LR began to get to grips with the game and only some misfortune and an inspired display by visiting keeper Paul Murphy kept them at bay. A 30 yard strike from Danny Smith seemed certain to go in, before Murphy pulled off an excellent save. From the resulting corner the ball was headed goalwards, only for Murphy to save again. Smith hit a shot wide of the post after a quick breakaway attack and a well worked move down the right side saw the ball reach Dominic Smalley who ran along the edge of the area before letting fly with a shot that was pushed out for another corner. A perfectly timed tackle from a defender denied Ben Hyde when he was through with only the keeper to beat and a shot from Hyde was deflected wide with the keeper beaten. A long ball into the Prestwich area reached Paul Crewe, but at full stretch he could only hit it straight at Murphy. Just before half time Hyde was unfortunate again when his effort came back off the post.
Half time 0 - 1
Supporters were wondering in the interval if LR would regret missing so many chances in the first half and they were proved right. Overall in the second half they had the better of the play with much of the game in Prestwich's half of the pitch, but they rarely tested the visiting keeper. At the other end Prestwich were quick to break and looked capable of adding goals. LR's best chances came from the left side. First a free kick was sent to the far side of the area where McNair headed the ball back across the goal, but it was too high for Hyde to connect. Late in the game a left sided cross was knocked back across the goal by Phil Howard to an unmarked Paul Crompton. Normally you could bet your house on him scoring but it was one of those nights and he screwed the shot wide of the post. Prestwich scored twice from breakaway attacks. First in the 52nd minute a powerful run by Ashley Oparah saw him go past two LR defenders before squaring the ball to Daniel Murray who arrived in the area behind the LR defence and made no mistake. The third came after 72 minutes when Michael Hoggard chased a through ball which caught the LR defence flat footed and ran on to hit home. The Atherton side kept working but you could tell it was just not going to be their night.
Full Time 0 - 3
LR Team - Andy Hewitt, Dean Alexander, Nathan Ardayfio, Lee Skett, Ross McNair, Craig Wood, Scott McGowan, Dominic Smalley, Paul Crewe, Ben Hyde, Danny Smith Subs Phil Howard, Paul Crompton, Simon Howard, Nial Callaghan
Wednesday 30th July
Away v Charnock Richard (Goldline Trophy) Won 2 - 1
LR progressed to the quarter finals of the Goldline Trophy but baffled supporters towards the end of the game until the reason became clear.
The Atherton side were forced into a few changes for this game, but they had an early chance in the 2nd minute when a through ball sent Phil Howard and home keeper Kevin Baldwin chasing, but the Charnock man just made it first. It was end to end stuff for the first half. For LR Paul Crompton hit a free kick just wide of the post and frustratingly when the ball was sent out to the right to Danny Smith, he progressed into the area and with the home defence at sea, there were no LR players in the area for him to pass to. A good ball from Phil Howard found Crompton on the left side but his curling cross was just too far ahead of Smith. Charnock created a few half chances, but had the opportunity to open the scoring when a long ball was sent down the left wing for Chris Bennett to chase. LR keeper Lewis Bishop came out and Bennett lobbed the ball over him, but then had to watch as the ball slowly dropped wide of the goal. Another Charnock effort was deflected wide but on the half hour mark LR took the lead. A right sided corner was headed past the keeper by Keiron Halliwell, but a defender cleared off the line. The ball was sent back into the box from the left side and found Crompton in space and he made no mistake. Halliwell was in action at the other end shortly after as a through ball sent a home forward running goalwards, but a perfectly timed challenge by the Atherton player ended the danger. Just before half time Charnock levelled the score. A corner on the right was half cleared but sent back into the box where it found John Sanderson unmarked. He had time to control the ball, turn and hit a powerful strike past Bishop.
HT 1-1
Charnock came close to taking the lead straight from kick off. A long ball was sent forwards and Bennett, who had started running from the moment the whistle blew, collected and hit the ball past Bishop, only to see it come back off the post. LR pushed again and when the ball reached Crompton just outside the area, he turned and began a run before being hauled down from behind. The referee decided to let play continue as the ball had fallen to a team mate out on the left. He whipped in a low cross, but no-one could get the vital touch. Charnock always looked dangerous at the front, but the LR defence battled hard and the shots which were on target were blocked, deflected or saved by Bishop. The home side thought they had taken the lead following a right sided corner. The ball reached a forward on the edge of the area and his shot hit the diving body of Bishop, spun up and went over the keeper and in, but the assistants flag was raised for offside. A quick break from Charnock saw Jimmy King hit wide under pressure. However, LR kept working and took the lead when a long goal kick from Bishop saw the ball bounce for the first time on the edge of Charnocks area. A defender mis-judged the ball and it bounced over his head, allowing Phil Howard to run past him and head the ball past the defenceless keeper. The Atherton side were denied a clear penalty when Dean Alexander was brought down in the area, only for the referee to wave away the appeals and then rub salt in the wounds of his mistake by booking an Atherton player for complaining too much. A home player hit a shot wide of the mark when he should at least have been on target before a good move down the right side by LR ended with Howard finding substitute Ben Hyde, but a defender managed to get a foot in before Hyde could shoot. Moments later a through ball sent Hyde running at goal, but keeper Baldwin moved fast and got to the ball a split second earlier. With the score at 2-1 LR were through and supporters on the far side were shouting at the players to sit on the ball, take it to a corner and play keepy-up, anything to waste time, but the team kept pushing forwards and almost added a third when a cross into a crowded area was only half cleared and the follow up shot came back off the inside of the post. A strong run by Ardayfio from deep inside his own half almost to the edge of the Charnock area ended with a highly dubious offside flag as he passed to Hyde who then squared to Howard. Only a few minutes later LR were complaining again as Hyde was flagged offside when it looked as though a defender had played him on as the ball was passed to him. A right sided cross was met by a back heel from LR's Danny Smith and although it wasn't a hard shot, Baldwin did well to get down and make the save as he must have seen the ball late in a crowded area. At the other end Lewis pulled off a tremendous diving save after a left sided cross was headed towards the far corner of the goal. A high ball into the home area was called for by the keeper, but Hyde managed to get to it first and steered it past Baldwin, but Damian Dashti got back and cleared the danger for Charnock. Jimmy King hit a goalbound shot for the home side before Halliwell cleared and another effort from Charnock went over the bar. Still supporters called for the team to keep hold of the ball and not take chances, but still they went forwards and nearly paid the price. As an attack was built, everyone except keeper Bishop was in Charnocks half while one of their players remained on the centre line. When the attack broke down the ball was hoofed forwards for the lone player and it was only the speed of Phil Howard which saved LR as he sprinted back up the pitch and managed to arrive in the area in time to block the forwards shot and clear. LR kept pressing for the third goal and leaving themselves exposed at the back and Charnock came close to levelling a few times, but it wasn't until after the game that it emerged there had been a misunderstanding. The playing side believed they had to win by two clear goals, rather than win and score at least twice, so they were under the impression that another goal was needed. However, the job was done and it looks like an away match at neighbours Atherton Collieries may well be the quarter final for LR.
After Monday's showing not too many people expected LR to get a result at Charnock, clearly a good side which, if they can get their ground up to standard, would be a welcome addition to the North West Counties League. However, despite the changes forced on the team, everyone gave 100% and that attitude will see a decent season for the club.
LR team - Lewis Bishop, Dean Alexander, Louis Edwards, Lee Skett, Keiron Halliwell, Craig Ward, Danny Smith, Jake Patterson, Phil Howard, Nathan Ardayfio, Paul Crompton Subs Ben Hyde, Simon Howard, Matt Smith, Paul Gummersal, Simon Thompson
Saturday 2nd August
Away v Rossendale United (Friendly) Lost 2 - 0
The conditions were ideal for this pre-season
friendly, although a little humid and overcast for parts of the game, the rain
stayed away.
The Atherton starting eleven contained new signing Justin Andrew who occupied
the left back slot. Captain Ross McNair was away on holiday so Paul Crompton
took over the Captaincy. Paul Crewe returned to the attack. LR made an
encouraging start to the game and on 4 minutes a beautifully flighted left sided
free kick half way into the Rossendale half from Crompton found the head of
Simon Howard on the far post, but his effort was deflected for a corner. The
subsequent corner again found Howard in the thick of the action, but his header
went over the bar. Two minutes later Paul Crewe manoeuvred himself into a goal
scoring position but his low drive went just past the post. On 17 minutes
Rossendale were unfortunate not to take the lead when a shot by one of their
strikers had to be hurriedly cleared off the line. A few times during the first
20 minutes Atherton goalkeeper Lewis Bishop had to come out of the penalty area
to clear the danger from the Stags attacks. After 25 minutes the game remained
goalless and both sides were playing attractive end to end football. On the half
hour the visitors gave their supporters another heart stopping moment when
Bishop and a Rossendale striker went for a 50/50 ball, and the Rossendale player
just managed to poke the ball past the keeper, but fortunately for Atherton
there was not enough power to take the goal bound attempt over the line and the
ball was cleared by an LR defender. In a counter attack Crompton on the left
swung the ball over to the opposite flank and found Dominic Smalley who made a
good run in on goal, but his attempt to round the keeper was thwarted by Lee
Bracey in the Stags nets who smothered the ball. Ten minutes from the break a
Rossendale corner on the right went over the visitors defence into the path of
an advancing striker on the left who hit the ball hard and low but it was
deflected for another corner. The home side were now pressing hard to open their
account, but LR were determined not to concede a goal so near to the break.
Half-Time 0-0
As expected, during the the interval the Atherton Management made a number of
substitutions bringing on Nathan Ardayfio, Ben Hyde, Danny Smith, Jake Patton,
goalkeeper Chris Brinksman and new signings Simon Thompson and Paul Gummersall.
On 51 minutes Rossendale took the lead when Marcus Howarth capitalised on an
Atherton defensive error and hit the ball from close range. A minute later the
visitors made a response when Hyde worked himself into a goal scoring position,
but his shot went through the 10 yard box and over the dead ball line. LR
continued to press for an equaliser and a joint effort between Nathan Ardayfio
and Simon Howard resulted in a good effort by Ardayfio just clearing the
Rossendale bar. Encouraged by this the visitors mounted a further attack on 55
minutes when Dominic Smalley made a good run down the right and his cross found
Gummersall, but his shot lacked the power to trouble the Stags keeper. At the
other end Atherton had a let off on 60 minutes when a Rossendale strike just
inside the 18 yard box went inches wide of the left post. On 70 minutes Paul
Crompton and Dominic Smalley were replaced by Chris Lowe and Phil Howard.
Seventeen minutes from time a delicate free kick half way inside the Rossendale
territory taken by Danny Smith found the head of Simon Howard, but his effort
went just over the bar. The Stags doubled their lead on 75 minutes when the
Atherton defence failed to clear the ball and it went out to Phil Eastwood who
hit his strike into the bottom left hand corner. A minute later Simon Thompson
was replaced by Paul Crewe, who quickly made his presence felt when his right
sided free kick found Ben Hyde on the far post, who made a valiant overhead
scissors kick but failed to make contact with the ball. For the remaining
minutes of the match LR made numerous attempts to reduce the deficit but were
unable to breach the Stags defence.
Full Time 2-0
After the game LR Manager Dave Hughes commented “I thought we did very well
against a team at a higher level and both goals came from us giving the ball
away, getting caught in possession, apart from that it was a good workout, all
the lads worked hard again and we are looking forward to next Saturday now”
(report from Eddie Taylor)