Longridge 2 vs Burnley United 0

Town are through to the next round of the Amateur Shield after defeating Burnley United 2-0 in an exciting contest at the MRG. Town were second best in the opening stages but once on top bombarded the opposition’s penalty area with crosses into the front two. Town got their goals, neither coming from open play, an unstoppable penalty from Keiran Walmsley and a superb free kick from the dead ball specialist.

A pleased Lee Ashcroft commented after the result: ‘We were dominant in the first half and how we went in 0-0 at half time was unbelievable. We created a hell of a lot of chances and didn’t take them. On reflection we created 20+ chances and only came away with two. It’s pleasing to be in the second round, we want to win every game whether it be in this competition, the Richardson cup or in the league. We’re still disappointed we never got to semi-final/final of this competition last year.’

On another day the tie could’ve been over in the first half. Lennie Reid had a shot from the left which produced a great save from Ian Surples in the Burnley goal after 14 minutes. Oli Wood had to two good chances within the space of two minutes to give the away side the lead; first profiting from Dan Walmsley misreading the play, hitting the outside of the post. Then Wood got in between the two Longridge centre halves but his chipped effort was no trouble for Ryan White..

Town’s best chances of the half fell to Brad Carsley whose header, had it been either side of the keeper would’ve been a goal and Dan Walmsley who headed over from a yard out.

In the second half Town continued to pressure the opposition with more balls into the box but they still couldn’t find the back of the net. On the 63rd minute a cross from the left was aimed in to Jordan Bowen but he was unable to reach the ball. Jordan Tucker retrieved possession and was pulled down in the area. From the resulting penalty Keiran Walmsley fired the ball into the roof of the net off the underside of the bar – a ferocious strike which no keeper would’ve saved. Keiran Walmsley got his and Town’s second late on - a 20 yard free kick slightly to the right of the goal which was well struck.

Town’s next match is a friendly away at Radcliffe Borough Tuesday 15th September KO 7.30 PM (M26 3PE) – Adults £3 and Concessions £1.

Then on the 19th Town resume their league duties with Euxton Villa visiting the MRG with a 3PM KO.

Team
1 Ryan White
2 Jordan Tucker (Captain)
3 Sam Nightingale
4 Alex O'Rourke
5 Dan Walmsley
6 Keiran Walmsley 63/81
7 Troy Carsley
8 Jordan Bowen (12 Rick Coar)
9 Brads Carsley (14 Leon McLoughlin)
10 Ryan McKenna
11Lennie Reid
Unused Subs: 15 Conor Linighan, 16 Lee Ashcroft, 17 Matt Hind