ATHERTON have been handed a trip to Preston side Longridge in the second round of the Lancashire Knockout following Sunday's seven-wicket win against Rochdale Catholic Club.

The North Manchester Cricket League side were restricted to 144-9 from 44 overs as Atherton bowlers Paul Woodend (3-30) and Paul Walsh (3-21) took three wickets between them.

Walsh then hit an unbeaten 25 in support of Jamar Griffith, who hit 62 not out, as the hosts recovered from the loss of three early wickets to coast into the next round.

The victory made up for a disappointing three-wicket defeat at Lostock the previous day, a result that ended a run of two straight wins in the Bolton Association.

Atherton slumped to 82 all out as they struggled against the bowling of Simon Hanson (5-21) and Tom Sheen (4-35), with Walsh top scoring on 19.

Lostock were struggling at 49-7 in reply when Tom Senior (14 not out) and Tom Gregory (11 not out) came together to see their side home.

Griffith took 4-38 for Atherton and there were a huge 28 extras in the Lostock total.

Astley and Tyldesley lost ground in the Association title race with a second straight defeat, losing by 103 runs at second placed Swinton Moorside.

David Flatley top scored with 90 as Moorside amassed 306-7 with Matt Norvell 66no and Jamie McDougal 56.

Jimmy Cutt took 4-100 for A&T then hit 43, with Paul Bennett hitting an unbeaten 45 and Alex Heaton making 54 in their reply of 208-7.