By Steven Oldham Cover photo: James Lobley Atherton LR vs Bourne Town
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Atherton LR’s epic FA Vase run comes to an end
Atherton LR‘s sterling run in the FA Vase is over after losing 5-4 on penalties to Step 5 Bourne Town at Crilly Park on Saturday.
LR bow out in the cruellest of fashions after battling back from 2-0 down at the break to force their higher-ranked opponents into a shootout.
Two goals before the half hour mark gave the visitors the upper hand, with Zac Allen’s volley and Paul Malone’s header giving Bourne a handy lead to take into the break.
READ MORE: FA Vase: Atherton LR book place in last 16
LR’s exit leaves the North West Counties Football League without a representative in the last eight, with Dave Jones’ the sole survivors to reach this stage.
LR fightback to no avail
Dave Jones’ side have proved time and again in this competition this season that they are not to be discounted by the higher-ranked opposition they’ve faced in several rounds – and this proved to be the case once again today.
The fightback began with Tom Romano’s 16th of the campaign on 57 minutes after his initial effort had rebounded off the post – and former Daisy Hill man Ryan Talbot levelled the match with 15 minutes left to play.
Talbot’s four goals for LR have all come on FA Vase duty – notably notching up 2 in the last round against Hallam.
That would prove to be the highlight for the home support making up the bulk of the 429 in attendance, with Talbot and Kyle Robinson-Murray’s spotkicks saved in the shootout.
Step 5 scalps aplenty
It’s been a famous run for the Step 6 side, who claimed four upset wins over higher-ranked opponents after joining the competition in the second qualifying round.
A host of NWCFL Premier sides fell victim to the men in blue and yellow, including Cheadle Town who were dismissed 3-1 back in September. Joe Bacon and Tom Romano’s brace set them on the road to victory.
The same players were on target once more in the next round as Premier Division strugglers Colne were knocked out in a 2-1 home win. An impressive 4-1 win at Abbey Hey followed in the second round, with Bacon scoring for the third round in a row.
Talbot, Akim Samms and George Chadwick were also on target as the cup run really began to gather momentum.
Their only clash against another Step 6 side – First Division North rivals Ashton Town – had to be settled by penalties after the game ended 1-1 at full time. Brandon Dawson’s opener put his side ahead, and LR eventually won 7-6 in the shootout.
Arguably the most dramatic victory, Hallam were beaten 3-2 two weeks ago – with an early Lance Houghton goal and Talbot’s brace securing victory – with the third and decisive goal coming from the penalty spot three minutes into added time.
Today’s defeat brings an end to a generational run – notching up the club’s best performance in over 30 years.
Attention will now return to domestic action, with second-placed LR holding four games in hand on current leaders Nelson.
FA Vase fifth round results
- Atherton Laburnum Rovers 2-2 (4-5p) Bourne Town
- North Shields 1-2 Whitchurch Alport
- Heanor Town 2-0 Crook Town
- VCD Athletic 0-1 Hartpury University
- Andover New Street 1-1 (6-5p) AFC Stoneham
- AFC Whyteleafe 1-0 Egham Town
- Erith & Belvedere 2-2 (4-2p) Daventry Town
- Whitstable Town 2-1 Fleet Town
Winning sides in the round of 16 collect ยฃ2,250 in prize money, with losing sides picking up ยฃ725 for reaching this stage.
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