THE defensive coaching manual was thrown out of the window at The Showground last night, leaving fans to enjoy a goal feast.

Sloppy work by both sides contributed to several goals but Harwood eventually finished comfortable winners against a team struggling at the bottom of the FNWTFL Division One.

Warren Peake set the pattern for a lively evening when he smashed an early long-range drive against the Atherton bar but it took Harwood until just past the half-hour mark beforte they broke the deadlock.

Mark Walsh's superb 25-yard free kick left the keeper helpless.

Two minutes before half-time, Atherton's Chris Whitelaw scored a spectacular own goal to leave Town in the driving seat.

But Denis Underwood's side then got the jitters themselves. Gary Butcher (57 mins) headed an own goal and they played themselves into trouble for Xav Bowers to concede possession, handing Danny Pilling (60) an equaliser.

Harwood had to go and win the game again, which they did with a flurry of goals.

Skilful Martin Aspinall (65) touched home an easy third from Steve Pickup's well-judged cross then Neil Otley pounced on more slack defending to give Aspinall (68) the chance to round the keeper for 4-2.

Graham Lightbown (84) added a well-taken fifth to ensure that Harwood ultimately coasted home.

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