Haslingden St Marys 1 vs Longridge Town 3

After the match Town boss Lee Ashcroft praised the home side for giving his team a tough run out: ‘It was a good test. They’re a fantastic side and I’m expecting them to get promotion again.’

‘As I said it was a tough test, we were lucky to beat them. It was a mistake for their goal. The team started sluggish but got into the game; they’ve been working on their fitness over the last couple of games. There was a lot of quality on show but not as much as we wanted. We look a threat at set pieces which is what we’ve been working on. Leon (McLoughin) came on and has shown how bright he is and I hope he sticks around. 3-1 away from home is a great result against a team which will be up there and stronger than some of the opposition we will play this season.’

The away side struggled to find their usualy rhythm early on in the match and to adapt to playing on narrow pitch. Haslingden’s pacey striker Sanders had the first chance of note after 8 minutes, his curling effort was well saved by Ben Walker.

Town slowly grew into the match; a long ball over the top saw Brad Carsley through on goal but the Haslingden keeper was out quick to stop the on form striker adding to his pre-season tally. The away side were disappointed not to be awarded a penalty when striker Rick Coar was brought down.

Late in the first half Haslingden broke from a Town corner, Sanders was played through but Walker was out to deny him. Two minutes before half time Town struck. A Lennie Reid corner was met by Troy Carsley whose powerful header was not going to be stopped.

8 minutes into the second half substitute Stannard equalised for Haslingden sliding the ball past substitute keeper Ryan White.

Midway through the second half Town came close to restoring the lead. Haslingden’s keeper punched a cross from the right to Lennie Reid, whose chip went just wide of the goal.

Town did get their second 9 minutes from time. Reid fired in a free kick which cannoned off the bar and Coar was there to tap in the rebound.

They added a third on the 87th minute. Lightning quick Leon McLoughin ran on to Dan Walmsley’s through ball to seal the victory.

Next up for Town is Evo Stik Northern Premier League Division 1 side Bamber Bridge on August 1st at the Mike Riding Ground 3 PM Kick Off.

Team: 1. Ben Walker, 2. Jordan Tucker, 3. Ryan McKenna, 4. Troy Carsley (43), 5. Sam Marsh, 6. Rick Murch, 7. Luke Berry, 8. Lennie Reid, 9. Rick Coar (80), 10. Brad Carsley, 11. Dan Wilkinson

Subs: Ryan White, Leon McLoughin (87), Dan Walmsley, Tom Speight, Stu Garry, Joe Melling