THE Atherton Charity Cup finally has a 1999 champion.

Atherton Town retained the trophy - an incredible SIX months after the final is normally played.

In front of a healthy Alder House crowd they beat Hindsford with goals from Steve Crilly 2 and MoM Barry Atkins.

Acting secretary Steve Speakman said the competition, with its final invariably held in May, had been plagued by bad weather which had led to a record number of postponements.

On top of that, the final had been further delayed with Hindsford's involvement in the Goldline Trophy campaign.

He added: "We offer our appreciation to match officials from the Leigh Referees Society, who gave their services free of charge." He singled out David Mort, Frank Mort, Graham Ogden, Dave Renshaw and Craig Mountford.

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