ATHERTON LR manager Dave Morris celebrated his 50th birthday last week.

But family and friends alike forgot to buy him what he would really have wanted - a top class striker!

Rovers created enough chances to win several games, let alone one, but they went begging in the 1-1 draw against Moor Lane.

And they paid for a series of missed chances when, late in the game, Moor Green grabbed an equaliser.

Rovers took a second minute lead when Paul Griffin produced some superb skill to turn and smack in a tremendous volley, but the visiting goalkeeper then pulled off some fine saves, especially from Tony Pemberton and Gavin McDonald.

They had Ritchie Marshall sent off on the half- hour for persistent infringements but still Rovers could not extend the lead.

The second half saw Rovers less dominant, although still on top. In the last minute McDonald made a hash of an absolute sitter and four minutes into injury time the visitors equalised through Mark Russell.

GRAHAM DODD was extra-special for Atherton Colls. His two goals earned the side a dramatic a 3-1 win at Chadderton in the NWC Challenge Cup first round.

Dougie Owen, back at the club after a spell at Turton, opened the scoring in the second minute, only for Andy Pendlebury to put through his own net just two minutes later.

Surprisingly there were no more goals in the 90 minutes. But two superb strikes from Dodd on 100 and 119 minutes gave it to Colls.

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