ATHERTON LR are the Golden boys of non-league football.

They showed their superior skill to win the inaugural final of the Goldline Trophy.

Watched by 1,100 spectators at Hilton Park, the NW Trains Division One side scored an emphatic 3-0 win against Atherton Town, their neighbours from the Manchester League.

LR dominated early on and Town keeper Gary Osborne was forced into a superb save, tipping Neil Wallace's effort over the bar.

Dave Richardson kept up the pressure, only to fire over, but Frank Bird made no mistake on 36 minutes.

Town's Steve Crilly was then brought down, but ref Paul Brabin was on the spot to reject claims for a penalty.

Steve Cunningham put another LR effort just the wrong side of the post, and, although Town kept up a battling display, they finally fell to a killer goal from Steve Dixon just before the break.

It was an uphill struggle for brave Town but they did manage to contain most of LR's second half attacks.

They had no chance, however, with the third goal as left back Anthony Smith fastened on to Cunningham's knocked back pass to hit a thundering left-foot shot past the stranded Osborne.

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