ATHERTON LR U15s had a 3-1 win over Astley Bridge in their first game of the year.

Atherton's goals came from Sean Barns (2) and Shane Sargent with Daryl Hughes the man of the match.

The U9s produced their best performance of the season in romping to victory over North Walkden 'B'.

LR started the game in a determined mood took an early lead when a pass from Wilkinson found Elliot Beaver who glided passed a defender and hit a low shot into the corner of the net.

Within three minutes an excellent cross from Morris was poorly cleared by the Walkden defence and it was Beaver again who hit home.

LR's defensive duo of Pollard and Nicholls, who were virtual spectators, soon saw a third goal come from Ryan Holland. In the final minute of the firsthalf, a controversial corner was converted by man of the match Holland.