By Joseph Gibbons

ATHERTON LR exited the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy at the first-round stage when they lost 3-1 at Ramsbottom United on Wednesday.

It was a spirited opening from the Crilly Park side against hosts from two divisions higher in Evo-Stik Division One North.

But first-half pressure finally told six minutes before half time when Tom Brooks fired past LR stopper Andrew Farrimond.

Soon after the interval, LR fell 2-0 behind when Callum Smith doubled Rammy’s lead.

They were back in the tie on 68 minutes, though, when Mark Adams created space for himself in the box to score.

Michael Clegg’s men pressed for a leveller and Garth Shaw went close from distance.

But the game was wrapped up for United on 78 minutes when Smith netted his second.

Elsewhere, Atherton Colls had to come from behind to record a 3-1 win against Ashton Athletic.

Ashton’s Ryan Small opened the scoring on the half hour.

But, Colls introduced captain Brad Cooke and winger Mark Truffas at half time and Truffas crossed the ball for Cooke to glance a header past Jay Foulds on 52 minutes. Truffas then scored himself to give his side a 2-1 lead on 77 minutes before Paul Atherton grabbed a last-minute strike to round off the scoring.

This weekend, LR travel to Maine Road, tomorrow, in the FA Vase. Colls are at home to Northwich Flixton Villa, and three points will take them top. Meanwhile, Daisy Hill host Widnes Vikings.