Atherton LR's late collapse at Charnock Richard defines a week of fine margins

Two quick second-half goals put Atherton Laburnum Rovers in control at Charnock Richard on Saturday, before a late collapse cost them victory. The Yellows led 2-0 with four minutes left at Mossie Park and left with a 2-2 draw, and their manager, David Jones, did not soften his assessment. "At 2-0 up that late in the game, you've got to manage those moments better," he said, calling his side "really soft in those final few minutes".

The goals came quickly. Harvey Brookes poked in from a 69th-minute corner, and Jack Bannister, on his debut, added a second within a minute. Nathan Nickeas then fired through the goalkeeper's legs in the 86th minute, and a corner from Gareth Peet deflected in off defender Edward Jones in the 90th. Charnock's own report called their side "probably the more happier" of the two at the final whistle.

It followed a 2-0 defeat at Prestwich Heys on Tuesday, Atherton's first league loss since the end of August. Liam Cuthbert struck on 73 minutes and Louis Holt added a second five minutes later, after a goalless first hour. Jones said his side had switched off at two key moments, and pointed to injuries at the top end of the pitch. He added that his side had 18 points from nine league games. Heys have no league fixture this weekend because Trafford are in the FA Cup, and their home games with Euxton Villa and Trafford have been moved to 13 and 27 October.

Atherton's week also brought arrivals. Bannister joined from Wythenshawe Ammies, while Declan McLoughlin signed on dual registration from Hyde United. Joe Bacon was named September Player of the Month. Next comes an FA Vase first-round tie, and Jones said the clear week of training would help with injuries and new players settling in.

Elsewhere, Ramsbottom United also let a two-goal lead go, drawing 2-2 with FC St Helens after Gareth Hill scored twice inside 17 minutes. Thomas McNamara pulled one back and Daniel Lowey converted a 76th-minute penalty. Ramsbottom travel to Sheffield FC in the Vase on 10 October.

At the top, Nelson beat Droylsden 3-1 in a meeting billed as first against second, with 529 at the Daisy Arena. Burscough beat Glossop North End 3-2 after leading 3-0, Glossop having played much of the game with ten men. South Liverpool won 4-1 against Longridge Town, and Euxton Villa won 2-1 at Abbey Hey.