Atherton LR 2 Widnes 0

ATHERTON consolidated their place towards the top end of the North West Counties First Division with a hard-fought win over Widnes on Saturday.

They went into the game without leading scorer Jon Stephenson, but any worries of a lack of goals were soon quashed when Tom Booth scored after five minutes.

Chances proved few and far between in the second half and Atherton were looking nervy with just a 1-0 lead heading into the last quarter. But with two minutes remaining LR had the victory secured when Melling broke into the box and was brought down by Garvey for a penalty.

Melling stepped up and dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner to seal the victory.

On Saturday LR have a league fixture at Darwen and on Monday the first of three Atherton derbies this season will take place in a Division One Cup game at Collieries, kick-off 7.45pm.