Atherton LR 0 Prescot Cables 0 PRESCOT'S young team did themselves credit last season by having only 30-odd bookings -which was fewer than one a game.

But what a contrast as the opening game of the new season cost five bookings and a dismissal.

The names which went into the officials' book were Lee Bamber, Darren Hilditch, Andy McMullen, Kevin Lynch and John Cassidy, who later received his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Both teams struggled hard to make an impression in sweltering conditions, my first impressions were that Cables will again be middle-of-the-table contenders.

Out of the newcomers, I would pick out Tony Sullivan as the most promising.

At least he deserved extra marks by almost winning the game with a shot which home 'keeper Phil Priestley pushed out for an unproductive corner as time was running out.

In defence, Simon Hughes captured the most attention as time and again he foiled Atherton's attacks, truly a chip off the old block as his father, Derek, now Cables' assistant boss was a great player with Marine.

The best of ace goalscorer Peter Cumiskey, who played more like a midfield player than a striker, was seen when he chipped a second-half-free-kick narrowly over the bar.

Cables' great escape came during Atherton's brightest spell when they hit the bar, with 'keeper Phil Noon beaten.

CABLES: Phil Noon, Aaron Cramsie, Darren Hilditch, John Cassidy, Simon Hughes, Lee Bamber, Kevin Lynch, Andy McMullen, Peter Cumiskey, Tony Sullivan, Steve Wilson. Subs Joe Doyle, Kevin Loop, Greg Price (goalkeeper). Clitheroe 3 Cables 2

MONDAY'S game at Clitheroe featured a praiseworthy fightback by Cables after trailing 2-0 at half-time.

Walsh and Bowers were the home marksmen in the 25th and 33rd minute.

But their lead was always threatened in the second half.

The principle instigator of Prescot's revival was Steve Wilson with goals in the 70th and 80th minute.

But Cables were denied a chance to get on level terms because of a needlessly conceded free-kick which brought the home side's third goal from Dave Sharples just two minutes after Wilson's first goal.

Prescot could take some consolation from their performance which deserved something much better than a defeat.

The whole side fought tooth and nail in search of an equaliser which never came.

Numbers drawn in Cables weekly lottery were 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10. There were no winners and a new draw for £2,750 takes place at the Deanes House this Sunday (9.30).

Prescot play their opening home game at St Helens Town's Hoghton Road this Saturday (August 23), when Maine Road (Manchester) are the visitors. And the following Wednesday (August 27) they entertain Blackpool Rovers.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.