Atherton LR claimed an important three points on the road in West Yorkshire on Tuesday night to keep their NWCFL First Division North title hopes alive, winning 2-1 against a strong Steeton outfit.
LR were able to grab a perfect start as within 20 seconds they had claimed the opening goal.
George Chadwick, making his 40th LR appearance of the season, sent a through ball to the returning Cal Hunter, who drove up to the near post and curled it past Steeton’s Brad Emmerson to open the scoring.
Steeton, shocked by the quick start needed to react quickly, and despite close chances by Harvey Sample to double the Yellows’ lead, the hosts were able to get back level.
Twenty minutes after the opener, a corner swung in by Jacob Smith found Josh Debenham at the back post and he headed the Chevies level.
Steeton picked themselves up and asked more questions of the LR defensive line, who held out well until the interval.
After the the break, both teams were looking to snatch the lead away.
LR’s usual bright start was back again, with chances aplenty but no final cutting edge by the Yellows
However, in the 54th minute, the visitors were finally able to retake the lead.
The ball was well worked across the face of the goal by Lance Houghton and found Sample, who cut inside and turned it past Emmerson to send LR back ahead
The Yellows continued their attacking prowess with more chances to extend their lead, however some valiant Steeton defending kept the game close.
The closing moments had one final chance for LR as Harvey Brookes drove to the corner and whipped a beautiful cross in to Talbot, whose shot was deflected above Emmerson destined for goal, but a quick reaction allowed the keeper to pull off a brilliant save.
The referee blew the final whistle soon after and LR returned to Greater Manchester with all three points and a 100-per-cent record against Yorkshire teams for the second season in a row.
Manager Dave Jones was quick to talk about the quality of the hosts and said: “They’re a difficult side, they get back behind the ball really well and work hard for each other.
“I’m a big fan of Roy (Mason, Steeton manager) and his set-up.
“They’ve got some good lads who can cause you problems like they did tonight.
“We had some brilliant individual performances and had to weather a late storm, so full credit to our lads at the back.”
LR return to Crilly Park for the first time in four weeks on Saturday as they host Skelmersdale United in league action on Non-League Day (3pm).
