Atherton LR sealed victory in the Goldline Trophy final last night with a 2-1 victory over a brave Stoneclough side.
Stoneclough started off the better side and got their reward after 20 minutes when Howarth finished from close range.
Laburnum Rovers got their equaliser after a low bouncing corner deceived the Stoneclough defence and pacy Danny Smith stroked it home.
A powerful strike by LR striker Phil Howard skidded along the wet turf to beat keeper Craig Tebay in the 121st minute of a compelling match that went to extra time to break Stoneclough hearts.
The game started off at a frenetic pace with both sides aiming to use the width of the big Reebok pitch.
Stoneclough flew out of the blocks, belying the two tiers that separated the two sides in the football leagues.
Their first chance came in the 11th minute when a powerful shot from the influential Howarth was parried away by Andy Hewitt in the LR net.
Forward Stephen Harrison headed over a minute later and left winger Liam Ralph also fired an effort just over the top as Stoneclough continued to pepper the Atherton goal.
Stoneclough took a deserved lead in the 20th minute when Atherton struggled to deal with a long ball.The defence failed to clear and midfielder Rob Howarth took an easy finish to the delight of Stoneclough players and fans alike.
Atherton responded well to going behind.Pace on both flanks in the form of Paul Crompton and Danny Smith was a real threat to the Stoneclough defence and they soon delivered a warning.Crompton fired a shot in and the impressive Tebay saved well low before pouncing on the rebound.
Atherton showed their class to get back in the game and they were rewarded in the 35th minute when an awkward low corner was steered into the far corner by the impressive Danny Smith.
The sides went into the dressing room at half time level at 1-1 in an entertaining match which flowed from end to end.
Stoneclough again flew out of the traps early, looking to land a killer blow.Four minutes after the break a wonderful cross from Liam Ralph on the left was flashed wide off the head of Phil Hill.
Tebay continued to make a string of saves in the Stoneclough goal and made a great save to deny Crompton again in an intriguing battle.
With both teams searching for a winner Harrison struggled to keep a left footed shot down from eight yards and his effort went over the bar.
Atherton looked to have got the winner but a last gasp tackle from Stoneclough left-back Janusz Henan saved the day.
Stoneclough hearts were in their mouths in the 91st minute when LR had the ball in the back of the net but a powerful header was disallowed for an offside.
Both sides made subs as the game went into extra time and legs got tired.Brett Dean replaced goal scorer Rob Howarth for Stoneclough and the tricky Crompton was replaced by Jake Patton for LR.
The first half of extra time was a quiet affair and neither side could create chances.Extra time burst into life in the second period as Atherton seemingly superior fitness started to play its part.
In the 125th minute Atherton pushed forward and the ball bounced around the box in a scramble with neither team able to get a telling touch until Harrison blasted the ball to safety.Stoneclough breathed a sigh of relief.
The assistant referee signalled two minutes of added on time and the tie appeared to be going to penalties.LR striker Phil Howard picked up the ball and turned towards goal, his dipping shot from 20 yards bounced in front of Tebay who got a good hand to the ball only to see it fly into the top corner to strike a cruel blow.
Stoneclough still refused to give up and poured forward.Liam Ralph's speculative effort flew wide with the last significant contribution of the game.
It was a gripping encounter in which both sides gave everything and a brilliant advert for amateur football.Both managers were delighted with their sides.
"I couldn't have asked for more from my players, they did everything we asked and gave everything, it was a great show," said Stoneclough co-manager Andy Tite.
"We managers are proud to be involved with these players, it was a great team performance and spirit from the lads."
Fellow co-manager Trevor Ball said: "The lads played exactly as we asked, they kept the ball well, we can't complain and can be proud of what we have done."
LR's victory was their fourth Goldline Trophy win in four final appearances giving them a fantastic 100% record.
"We started very slow and didn't get in the game, but we started to control things late in the second half and dominated extra time," said Atherton LR manager Phil Hughes.
"I've been juggling about 20 players in my squad, so I'm very proud of my players managing to win this competition.I'm delighted to have won this prestigious trophy.
"I would also like to thank Goldline and Bolton Wanderers Football Club for organising this final.It's been different class and a great experience."
By Dean McAfee
