LR’s Joe Bacon in action. He scored the last time the two sides met. Picture by James Lobley
Atherton LR return to action today in their fifth home game of 2026 as they host City of Liverpool FC in the [North West Counties League](http://www.nwcfl.co.uk?ref=au) Premier Division (3pm).
The two teams last met in August at Burscough’s, Community Ground, the temporary home of City of Liverpool following their eviction from Bootle’s Berry Street Garage Stadium.
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It was an afternoon LR fans remember fondly following a 6-0 demolition from the away side, with goals from Cal Hunter, Tom Romano, Joe Bacon and Tom Lawless.
The Purps, as they are well known, have seen a dramatic downfall in recent seasons, going from a Northern Premier League West play-off final loss to their sudden relegation and ultimate downfall in their first season back in the NWCFL since 2019.
Recent weeks, since the appointment of Richard Brodie, has seen signs of improvement, however that only consists of scorelines as the club has not won a game since late October.
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Their last outing saw defeat at the hands of Irlam after goals by Callum Sandle, Joshua Wood and John J Main secured a 4-1 win for their opponents.
LR head into the fixture as the most in-form team in the league, on a 10-game unbeaten streak and a five-match winning run at the start of 2026.
Dave Jones’ side will be eager to extend their winning run heading into the final few months of the season.
Only four points separate LR from the play-off zone and they are only six points behind second place.
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A win on Saturday could send them sixth depending on other results.
LR’s last game was their midweek win against Padiham - the second of a double-header six-pointer, as goals by Abiola Obasoto and Cal Hunter secured a narrow 2-1 win against opponents unable to get their revenge for a weekend defeat.
Looking ahead to facing the Merseysiders, boss Jones said: “It’s an enthusiastic group and we want to keep that streak going.
“It will be a difficult game here on Saturday, (Richard) Brodie will have them working hard.
“We’ll prepare from now to then and give it our best shot on Saturday.”