ATHERTON LR hammered Rivington in Group B of the Goldline Trophy in association with the Bolton Evening News to virtually guarantee themselves a quarter-final place.

Laburnum notched a phenomenal seven first half goals without reply as they hope to overhaul Charnock Richard at the top of the group. Steve Strange opened the scoring six minutes in shortly before Mike Rhead volleyed home from Barry Massey's centre.

Massey added the third himself from a corner, Holroyd netted a fourth with a carbon copy and Massey scored his second after being put through on goal.

Rivington had no answer to LR's flowing football as the hosts scored two more before the break through a Mark Parry penalty and a Chris Saunders own goal. Chris Dalton made it 8-0 in the second half before Massey registered his hat-trick to end the rout. Chris Walker netted a 30-yard reply for Rivington but it was too little, too late.

Dobbies Veterans missed a host of glorious chances during their Group A clash with Old Boltonians before securing a 2-0 win on Sunday. Phil Donlan set Vets on their way early on when he raced through to lob the advancing goalkeeper and when Steve Brennan netted after a glittering solo run 10 minutes later Bolts had no way back.

Vets looked comfortable throughout and grabbed all three points despite Paul Cameron placing his penalty wide of the target.

This week's Goldline Trophy action sees some real six-pointers as clubs hope to make the last eight. Tonight, Atherton Collieries take on Prestwich Heys in the battle of the top two in Group C, a match which kicks off at 7.30pm. Tomorrow night sees another crucial tie in Group D when Daisy Hill take on Radcliffe Amateurs, a match where the defeated team face the prospect of elimination. Kick off at Daisy Hill is 6.30pm.