Wednesday 25th April 2007 Atherton Cup AAFC 3 Bolton Lads 1

Last year's cup winners went out of the competition at the quarter final stage, against a highly competitive Ashton Athletic side. This was a genuine "game of two halves" though, with Ashton leading comfortably, 3 - 0 at half time, and having another ruled-out for offside.
Matt Mahoney opened the scoring with a headed goal in the 10th minute before Paul McVeigh and Peter Tarpey provided each other with goals to put Ashton 3 up before half time.

The second half was a different matter as Ashton took the foot off the gas whilst Bolton Lads Club raised their game, pressing consistently which enabled them to get a foothold in the game.
Bolton's only reward however came from a 52nd minute penalty converted by skipper Dave Warburton.
Despite more pressure from Bolton, an impressive Ashton defence ended the game on top whilst on the break Ashton had several chances to increase their lead without conversion.
Warburton took the man of the Match award for Bolton whilst Ashton's accolade went to Paul McVeigh

In the semi final Ashton will now face the winners of Breightmet and Leigh Athletic who play on Tuesday 1st May 6.30pm. The semi final date is to be confirmed.

Matt Mahoney headed Ashton in front

Paul McVeigh on target again in the Atherton Cup with Ashton's second

Pete Tarpey completed Ashton's scoring