ACE DAVE REPAYING THE FAITH

WHEN Atherton LR chairman Shaun Lynch appointed a new manager 18 months ago, there were raised eyebrows among some observers.

- Andy Simpson

His pick, Dave Jones, was only 23 at the time. "Sometimes you have to give a lad a chance," he said.

He has no regrets.

On Saturday, the Greater Manchester outfit host Bourne Town in the FA Vase last 16 for what will likely be billed as LR's biggest knockout game since they reached the competition's semi-finals stage in 1994.

Jones wasn't even born then.

His side, the only Step 6 club still standing, has eliminated four foes from a higher level to get this far including a thrilling 3-2 success against Hallam in the previous round secured by Ryan Talbot's last-gasp penalty.