Radcliffe Borough 1 vs Longridge Town 2

A pleased Lee Ashcroft commented: ‘Instead of training we were offered a friendly and it was important to give some of the lads 90 minutes. To be honest they were all absolutely brilliant, they’ve worked all day at their jobs and travelled an hour and a half to be here. They all had an excellent attitude even the ones that didn’t start. On another day we would’ve hit them for seven with the chances we created. Radcliffe’s keeper wants to be in the first team and pulled off some great saves. Our possession on terms of being on the ball was about 80%, when we do that to teams we look unstoppable. I didn’t plan on playing the full 90 but I’m glad I kept myself on as I got the winner.’ (Laughs)

Town were on top in the first half and deservedly took the lead when Troy Carsley headed in a Jordan Bowen cross after 12 minutes. Prior to the goal Radcliffe had had a chance of their own to take the lead.
On the half hour mark Rick Coar was played through but the Radcliffe keeper was out quickly to deny him. Danny Wilkinson, returning from cricket duty, was having a good game at left back. Just before half time he drove forward and cut inside but his strike was well denied.

Town were good value for their lead and impressed the home support; at half time one supporter said: ‘I can’t believe that Longridge are three divisions below us.’

Radcliffe Borough had a good 15/20 minute spell in the second half and equalised on the 63rd minute. Elliot Rokka showed good feet before curling past Matt Hind in the Town goal. Town regained control of the game and came up against a keeper in inspired form – denying substitute Brad Carsley and Ashcroft on numerous occasions. Substitute Keiran Walmsley crossed for Ashcroft for the winner late on.

Team
1 Matt Hind
2 Jordan Tucker
3 Danny Wilkinson
4 Alex O’Rourke
5 Ryan McKenna (17 Ryan Walsh)
6 Conor Linighan
7 Leon McGloughlin (15 Lennie Reid)
8 Troy Carsley (12) (12 Keiran Walmsley)
9 Rick Coar (14 Brad Carsley)
10 Lee Ashcroft (89)
11 Jordan Bowen (16 Scott Redhead)

Unused subs; Sam Nightingale, David Foster, Matty Edgar

Next up for Town at the MRG is Euxton Villa on the 19th 3PM.