By Steven Oldham Cover photo: James Lobley Atherton LR vs Hallam

Atherton LR upstage Step 5 – again

Atherton Laburnum Rovers‘ FA Vase adventure continued with a 3-2 fourth round victory over the higher-ranked Hallam at Crilly Park – with the North West Counties side now the sole remaining Step 6 left in the competition.

Having already seen off the likes of Abbey Hey, Colne and Cheadle Town this season, Dave Jones’ side are through to the fifth round thanks to Ryan Talbot’s injury time winner.

Lance Houghton put LR ahead early doors with his fifth of the season, with Talbot doubling the lead shortly before the break from the penalty spot. The Sheffield side fought back in the second half, with quickfire goals from Greg Smith and Brandon Bradbury pulling them level within five minutes of the restart.

READ MORE: FA Vase: Atherton LR claim another Step 5 scalp

LR may have had to wait a week to get this game done thanks to the weather, but it proved to be more than worth it when Talbot sent the home crowd into raptures with the winner two minutes into added time.

Rovers made the semi finals in the 1993-94 season before losing to eventual winners Diss Town, and are now through to the fifth round for the first time in a generation.

Next up is another home game against Lincolnshire outfit Bourne Town of the United Counties Premier League. An upwardly mobile club, Bourne sit second in the table and are chasing back-to-back promotions.

West Didsbury & Chorlton in away loss

Elsewhere, West Didsbury & Chorlton‘s hopes of FA Vase glory are over for another year after a 2-1 defeat at North Shields.

Tom Murray had put West ahead after a goalless first half, but the hosts struck back through Lee Mason and Lewis Sudditch in quick succession to end the Manchester side’s run.

The run to the quarter finals two seasons ago will therefore remain the club’s best effort to date in the competition, although they saw off the likes of Stockport Town and Silsden on their way to the fourth round.

Atherton LR last NWC side standing

LR will be the sole North West Counties representative in round five after First Division South side Abbey Hulton United were beaten 2-0 at home by Heanor Town.

As well as progress to the next round, LR have banked an additional £1,875 in prize money – with their total prize money earned now standing at over £5,000 this season. Losing clubs at this stage, including Paul Marshall’s West Didsbury side, will collect £600 for making it this far.

The fifth round will take place on the weekend of February 1, with the full draw as follows:

• North Shields vs Whitchurch Alport
• Atherton LR vs Bourne Town
• Heanor Town vs Albion Sports or Crook Town
• VCD Athletic vs Hartpury University or Fareham Town
• Roman Glass St George vs AFC Stoneham
• AFC Whyteleafe vs Egham Town
• Erith & Belvedere vs Daventry Town
• Whitstable Town vs Fleet Town

NWC: Huge 4-0 win for West Didsbury & Chorlton