Longridge Town 3 vs Holker Old Boys 2

Without a run out in over a month Town didn’t show signs of rustiness and gave Holker Old Boys, side a division above, a good competitive game which ended in a 3-2 victory for Lee Ashcroft’s men.

A pleased Ashcroft commented: ‘It’s a good win, we’ve done a bit of training over Christmas. We’ve not played for six weeks and we’ve won against a team in a higher division which was full strength, it was a good workout for us. After seeing our pitch midweek, I booked this and tried all day to get a friendly. Their match was called off and they rang saying can we still do it so we did. I know the manager personally (Scott Redhead). We changed the system giving players a run out in different positions and we got 90 minutes under our belt. We’ll train again Wednesday ahead of the Slyne game (hopefully).’

He continued: ‘We’ve not had much luck with the weather. It’s not all negative. We have floodlights so if we have to play night matches we’ll do that. No one else is playing so we’re not losing ground, it’s a nightmare situation everyone is in.’

Holker started the livelier and come close to scoring in the opening minute. Alex O’Rourke was dispossessed on the half way line, Holker broke forward quickly but a fine save from Rob Batty stopped number 9 from giving them the lead at Preston College’s all weather pitch.

Holker’s number 9 continued to threaten and came close again, twisting and turning before firing towards goal but Batty was equal to it.

In a fast paced game Town took the lead on the 7th minute. Jonty McDonald getting his first start since returning from injury scored a fantastic goal to give Town the lead, firing across the keeper from the edge of the area. A minute later it was two; Troy Carsley sliding in brother Brad who chipped the Holker number one.

Both teams contributed an enthralling first half and Chris Wraite pulled one back on the 23rd minute, for the side from Barrow, after being played through, he side footed past Batty who had no chance.

On the 31st minute Town should’ve added a third. Jordan Bowen slid through Ryan McKenna but his lobbed effort went just over. Immediately after Holker came forward and after a swift build up Billy Moss finished coolly to make it 2-2.

Eight minutes before half time McDonald gave Town the lead again. After fine link play with Brad Carsley McDonald rifled in his second.

For the second half both teams made changes. On came Matt Hind, Keiran Walmsley and returning striker Leon McGloughlin who was quick to get involved in the action.

Despite not being in the side since October McGloughlin’s pace was troubling the Holker defence. He had a chance early in the half but his lobbed effort didn’t have enough power to trouble the keeper. Shortly after a shot from distance from Holker’s number 10 wasn’t too far off target.

Town had a corner on the hour mark which was well delivered by Walmsley. Town had numerous chances but resilient defending kept the home side at bay. Holker broke but again didn’t manage to hit the target.

Soon after McGloughlin came close. A fine ball over the top by Brad Carsley found McGloughlin but his chipped effort went wide of the mark. McGloughlin continued to use his pace to trouble the Holker defence and got free on the right but his dangerous cross was well defended. Town gave a start to new signing Scott Shannon, primarily a defender but can play many different positions. It was a great result for the West Lancashire side against higher opposition.

Team
1 Rob Batty
2 Jordan Tucker
3 Alex O’Rorke
4 Troy Carsley
5 Sam Marsh
6 Conor Linighan
7 Joe Melling
8 Jordan Bowen
9 Brad Carsley 8
10 Jonty McDonald 7/38
11 Ryan McKenna

Subs: 12 Leon McGloughlin, 14 Keiran Walmsley, 15 Scott Shannon 16 Danny Wilkinson, 17 Matt Hind

Next up for Town is Slyne with Hest at The MRG kick off 2.pm