ATHERTON LR gained revenge for their Worthington Cup defeat in their first league match of the year.

In a free-flowing game, Atherton were the better side and 18-year-old Josh Bowker made an impressive debut.

In the 20th minute Barry Massay battled for the ball and sent a cross into Maine Road's area. The visitors claimed offside as Chris Arnold broke through the defence, but the flag stayed down and Arnold hit the ball past the keeper to give Atherton the lead.

Two minutes from half time Maine Road's John Russell was first to a shot that struck a post to make it 1-1.

In the 50th minute Bowker was sent on a run at goal and appeared to be brought down from behind in the area. However, the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. While Maine Road were still organising their wall, Luke Hardman hit the ball straight into the net. LR were looking good and a reflex save by the Maine Road keeper stopped Chris Arnold adding a third.

LR seemed to lose their way a bit and Steve Powell was forced to make a good save and in the 78th minute Chris Dalton cleared the ball off the line when a goal seemed certain. With three minutes of normal time remaining, Mark Fitton sent in a perfect cross for Arnold to hit the ball home.

The game seemed over, but on the stroke of time Russell found space in the LR area and had time to hit his shot well out of Powell's reach.