ALAN LORD was "sent off" as Atherton Colls crashed out of the FA Cup.

The manager saw red five minutes from the break when, after comments he made to a linesman, the referee ordered him off.

Lord was furious after the 2-1 home defeat by Ramsbottom. "They had more commitment, more desire, more thought, more everything," he stormed.

"We had some strong words in the changing room after the game and I'm beginning to see who wants it and who can't be bothered."

The only surprise in the opening half hour was Colls were only one down, that from the penalty spot after a Colin Lomas trip.

Colls keeper Steve Powell had pulled of a wonder save on four minutes and Ramsbottom were denied by the woodwork on 13 minutes.

The game was marred at times by ugly scenes, Colls' Mark Fitton lucky to receive yellow and not red after one bad tackle.

More hot temper came soon after the break, Ramsbottom's keeper sent off for retaliation and ex-Colls star Dave Roach going in goal. His first task was to pick the ball out of the net, Craig Little having scored from the spot.

Ten-man Ramsbottom still controlled matters and deservedly snatched it when sub Mark Westhead made the most of Russell Brierley's good work to slam in a winner.

Colls, who had Liam Boden sent off for a second bookable offence, went down 2-0 at a Skelmersdale in a midweek match.

ATHERTON LR, missing five regulars, fell 2-1 at Mossley, despite a fine goal from debut star Gary Bradshaw.

Kevin Jones was unlucky immediately after the break, when, after ghosting past three defenders, he fired wide.

LR's MoM was centre back Stuart Williams.

In midweek LR crashed to a 3-0 home defeat against Maine Road after Tony Maas missed with a good early chance.

HINDSFORD drew 1-1 with Breightmet United, Crowther on target.

ATHERTON TOWN scored a 3-1 derby win against Pennington with goals from Tony Carter 2 and Keiran Power, Clinton McLoughlin replying.

Damien Walsh was sent off for Pennington.

THE NorthWest Mini Soccer Leagues still have vacancies at U7s, U8s, U9s and U10s. Application forms and further info on 01204-887394.

LEIGH ATHLETIC edged back from the brink on Saturday.

Down 2-1 at Daisy Hill in the Wigan Cup (1st Round) they grabbed an equaliser through Andrew Pickles.

In extra-time sub John Knowles scored a goal in each half for a thrilling 4-2 win.

On Saturday Athletic begin their league campaign at home to Rivington; the 2nds are at Rivington.

BLACKMOOR U17s are looking for players, particularly a goalkeeper. Call manager Nigel Baxter on 742956. First friendly was on Sunday, the season starts on September 5 and training is at Gin Pit.

THE U15s of Dynamo Three Crowns have had a busy pre-season with a series of friendlies.

They beat Wanderers 9-1 (MoM Stewart Pickup 5, Mark Ellison, Simon Barber, Craig Drake, Anthony Darwin); Bobby Charlton Football School Students 2-0 (Phil Keogh, Pickup; MoM goalkeeper Martin Plover); and Douglas Valley 3-1 (Keogh, Steve Wright, Jason Ashton; MoM Plover).

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