PAUL DAVIES smashed in a superb hat-trick as Atherton LR romped to an impressive 3-1 victory at Darwen.

The former Turton player thrust Rovers right back into the NCCL Division One title frame.

His first goal came from a Phil Porter cross five minutes before the break before LR conceded a sloppy goal 15 minutes into the second half.

Davies took over, heading in Simon Burton's cross before completing his hat-trick with a 25-yard drive.

LR had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Vauxhall - despite a flying start.

In-form Graham Leishman blasted home the first goal after just 45 seconds and later he again found the net to restore the home lead.

LR have signed former Bolton Wanderers ace Gary Henshaw from Hyde United and midfielder Tony Edwards from Leigh RMI.

ATHERTON COLLS were just seconds away from a first win of the season against Haslingden.

Then visiting player-manager Steve Parry spoiled the party with a stunning half-volley equaliser deep into injury time for 2-2.

Colls took the lead when Neil Wright scored on his debut from the penalty spot after Chris Lythgoe had been pulled down; Martin Littlewood then curled in a superb free kick two minutes before half time.

Former Colls striker Alan Shawcross has had a last-minute change of mind about joining Haslingden from Atherton LR and will re-sign at Alder House instead.

PENNINGTON were disappointing as they fell 3-1 to Gamesley, Mike Lewis the scorer. The U18s drew 0-0 with Deans, Scott Pilling sharing the MoM. LEIGH ATHLETIC fell 4-3 at Old Boltonians after conceding two quickfire early goals.

Rob Lysons and Neil Sumner pulled Athletic back into contention but the home side stormed clear before Danny Wilson was up-ended in full flight and Gordon Walker slotted in the penalty.

But they came from behind to beat Royton Town 4-3.

The team, playing in the Premier Division of the Lancashire Amateur League, are still trying to come to terms with the atmosphere and the narrow pitch at their Charles Street ground.

From 2-0 down they found a lifeline when Steve Kidd was felled in the box and Walker slammed home the penalty. Then Sumner headed in the equaliser.

Royton went ahead again but Richard Wilson scored to level it before, with time running out, Kidd notched the winner.

On Saturday they play Hesketh Casuals in the League Cup.

MIDWEEK WOE . . . Leigh RMI paid the price for a negative start when they crashed 1-0 at home to Barrow; Atherton LR fell 2-1 against old rivals Warrington Town, full-back Phil Porter the man on target following a Russ Hooton free kick; Atherton Colls crashed 6-0 at Vauxhall GM.

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