Bolton Hospitals Charity Cup Final

Ramsbottom United 1- Atherton LR 2

THE magnificent setting of the Reebok stadium did little to inspire Ramsbottom United as they slipped to defeat in the final of the Bolton Hospitals Cup.

In the opening stages Atherton LR made a strong start, putting Ramsbottom onto the back foot and the game was played in the Rams half with the United midfield never getting to grips with things.

LR were far more aggressive and were a yard sharper and consequently quicker to the ball. They deservedly took the lead in the 15th minute when Phil Porter slipped and lost the ball to Chris Arnold who crossed for Mark Fitton to hammer in a fierce drive that Paul Horridge did well to block. Gary Andrews followed up to score.

The Rams still struggled to make an impression for the rest of the first half and on 38 minutes LR took full advatage of the Rams lethargy with Fitton again supplying the cross and Chris Arnold hammering in a terrific shot.

Ramsbottom were grateful for the half-time whistle after a dire first 45 minutes on their part.

In the second half the Rams showed a lot more purpose, but still failed to make a real impact. Tempers flared and both side had names taken and it was only when substitutes Simon Woodford and Steve Orrell came on 15 minutes from the end that Ramsbottom started to play.

LR continued to hang on, despite some strong Ramsbottom pressure, and it wasn't until the 87th minute that United finally got on the scoresheet when John Phillips poked the ball in on the left-hand post following a goalmouth scramble.

The fourth official indicated that five minutes of stoppage time would be played and the Rams continued to lay siege to the LR goal, but Atherton held on and deserved to win in the end.

RAMSBOTTOM UNITED: Horridge 7, Porter 4, Smith 5, W Brierley 5, Langhorn 5, Brennan 4, Brown 4, Phillips 5, Yorke-Robinson 5, Lomax 5, Wilcock 5. Substitutes: Orrell (for Lomax, 74 mins), Woodford (for Brown, 70 mins) 7, Burke (for Smith, 88 mins).