Atherton LR claimed revenge just seven days after their NWCFL First Division North league loss away at Holker Old Boys to reach their first cup final in more than a decade.
In the Edward Case Cup semi-final, a quiet first half was brought back to life right at the end as a long ball by a returning George Chadwick was headed down in the box by Lance Houghton to the feet of Harvey Sample who was quickly taken down by captain, Joshua Woodend, however the referee waved the penalty claims away and blew for half time.
Holker claimed the opening goal this time, when a drive on the left wing found Luke Davey at the edge of the box who took a wild shot towards Joe Bickerstaffe who was able to parry the shot. However, LR defender Owen Green was in the wrong place at the wrong time and pushed the ball back into the net, giving Holker the lead in the tie in the 74th minute.
Despite being deflated from the setback, the Yellows pushed on and only four minutes later they were back in it.
A classic Owen Houten throw-in met Dave Moore’s head in the box and the ball rolled past Matthew Bailey to level the scores and gave Moore his second goal in two outings.
The drama was not over yet, either, as LR fought on for the winner.
And the travelling fans who had travelled two hours from Atherton were rewarded as the game entered its closing stages of stoppage time when LR were rewarded a corner.
Harvey Brookes stepped up and delivered his trademark corner, heading directly for the net and it was pushed over the line by Owen Green to redeem his previous mistake, sending the fans, players and staff into hysteria.
The final whistle blew and to confirm LR were heading for their first cup final since the Goldline Trophy final at the Toughsheet Stadium back in 2012.
Delighted manager Dave Jones said: “We knew before the game it was really important to try and get to that cup final.
“What the group has achieved over the last two seasons has been incredible.
“I’m delighted for all the players and staff who have worked really hard and have been rewarded with a cup final.
“I say to the lads all the time, the run we’ve been on these last two years, regardless of where they are in 10-15 years time, they’ll look back at these times and remember these good times.”
LR will face South Division side, Stafford Town in the final after they won 3-0 at home to Ashville in the other last-four tie, with the date and location still to be confirmed.
