Atherton LR 1 AFC Blackpool 2: Match report

A strong defensive performance saw the Mechanics come away with all three points from Crilly Park.

The home side dominated the early play, and David Moore gave the hosts the lead after 24 minutes. However, the lead lasted just four minutes until Ron Hanslip stepped forward to equalise. For the rest of the first half both sides cancelled each other out.

The second half proceeded in much the same way, though with the home side having most of the play.

But it was AFC who scored the decisive goal on 69 minutes, a breakaway effort from Rick Tomlinson.

The home side turned on the pressure and stormed forward looking for an equaliser. However, a resolute AFC defence secured the much-needed away victory.

AFC assistant manager Alan Williams was full of praise for the team, saying: “What a performance from the lads tonight, carrying on the good work from Saturday’s draw at home to in-form Stockport Town. It was a superb win, and a special thank you to all those who travelled to support us. It is much appreciated and a real bonus with the three points too.”

The win leaves AFC level on points with 18th-placed Bacup Borough and five points clear of Atherton, who still have two games in hand. Most importantly, AFC are now 13 points above the relegation places.

Next up is a trip to the ARK Fleetech Stadium to take on 13th-placed Chadderton on Saturday.

A player who AFC may well face again this weekend is Aaron Scholes, the son of former Manchester United and England player Paul Scholes, who attended the teams’ encounter at Jepson Way and saw his son set up a goal after coming off the bench.