We were delighted to catch up on Saturday with Atherton LR, winners of the First Division North Club of the Month award for January 2025, the third time this season they have won this award.
LR Manager Dave Jones is pictured receiving the award from League Chairman Paul Lawler who carried out the presentation on behalf of the League Committee.
Atherton played three games in the month and emerged victorious in all three, scoring nine goals and conceding five.
They started January with a 3-2 win at home to Maine Road. They fell behind early before Harvey Sample's penalty just after the half hour brought them level. They again fell behind in first half stoppage time but Marcus Perry brought the scores level again from the spot, this time on the hour mark. Harvey Brookes then hit the winner with four minutes to go.
Next came a "giantkilling" in the Isuzu FA Vase as they entertained Hallam in the last 32 of the competition. Hallam play at Step 5, a league above LR, in the Northern Counties East League. LR had a dream first half with Lance Houghton opening the scoring early and Ryan Talbot doubling the lead from the spot on 41 minutes. However Hallam hit back and were level just five minutes into the second half. With a penalty shoot out looming, LR then won a penalty in stoppage time, Talbot keeping his cool to score his second of the day and give LR a 3-2 win.
The final game was ironically also against Maine Road, this time at Brantingham Road, with LR winning 3-1. They did it the easy way this time, with Thomas Romano, Harvey Brookes and George Chadwick putting LR three goals ahead by the 25 minute mark, the home side scoring a consolation in the second half.
That gave them 12 points from their 3 games for a 4.00 average.
Ashton Town pushed LR close and also had an unbeaten month, whilst Maghull and Thornton Cleveleys both had good months. Nine teams in the division did not play the required three games to be considered.
Total Games played in the Month: 3
Total Points won in the Month: 12
Average: 4.00
