ATHERTON Town have been gifted progression to the quarter-finals of this years' Goldline Trophy, after their game with Eagley was awarded to them by default.
Due to a breaking of the tournament regulations, Eagley were forced to concede the tie which had been scheduled for Thursday evening, which means that with maximum points from their first three games, Town are certain to go through from Group A.
Elsewhere, Charnock Richard conceded their first goals of this year's event in an action-packed game against Atherton LR. Charnock took the lead through Kevin Fisher after 25 minutes, and despite a game played at breakneck speed, the next goal only arrived 16 minutes from time.
Mark Fitton's accurate centre was nodded home by Barry Massey, and after Barry Edge had gifted LR a late penalty, Mark Parry put the visitors ahead from the spot.
However, the Crilly Park side were forced to settle for a draw when a long Adam Tolde throw was met by Alan Archer's header and the scores were levelled.
LR will now be favourites to join Charnock Richard in the last eight but Hindsford gave themselves a glimmer of hope as Matt Toone struck on four occasions in a first half blitz against Rivington.
Toone hit a brace inside the opening 10 minutes in identical fashion, smashing a cross-shot into the back of the net. He completed his hat-trick after 25 minutes when he met a cross at the far post and added a fourth seven minutes prior to the break with a half-volley from the edge of the penalty area. Rivington snatched a consolation through Chris Saunders but look to be heading for an early exit after two straight defeats.
Tonight's Goldline Trophy action comes in Group C, with Tempest United hosting Atherton Collieries and Bolton County meeting Brightmet United.
Tomorrow night sees the closely fought Group D continue with Blackrod Town facing Daisy Hill and Radcliffe Amateurs taking on Turton. All evening matches kick-off at 6.30pm.
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