SPORTING staff and parents from St George's Central School in Tyldesley and Atherton St George's CE Primary School met in a soccer match on Friday that resulted in a 4-1 victory for Atherton.

Having drawn 2-2 in their first match against the staff from Fred Longworth High the Tyldesley side travelled to Atherton in confident mood and hit the post in the first minute. However, a penalty and a goal gave Atherton a 2-0 half time lead.

Half time changes for St. George's Central saw them again make a positive start to the second half, however, they could not convert their chances and towards the end Atherton scored twice and Tyldesley got a consolation goal.

Pupils from the Atherton school produced a match and helped as assistant referees.

Gracious in defeat Tyldesley St George’s head Mark Grogan thanked his Atherton counterpart Mrs Rachael Coulthard and staff for their hospitality.

He is now finalising arrangements for a match between the Tyldesley school and Parklee and invites other schools to get in touch with him or staff at Atherton St George’s if they are interested in arranging a soccer challenge.

Plans are in hand for a staff/parents netball challenge and a soccer rematch between the Atherton and Tyldesley St George’s sides.