Longridge 5 vs Eagley 0 (Abandoned after 60 minutes)

A frustrated Lee Ashcroft commented: it’s annoying. He brought both the captains over and bounced the ball. The ball rolled so I’m not sure why he stopped it. I’ve played on worst pitches! Brad and Ashy are both carrying knocks but we’re down to bare bones. Hopefully they’ll be fitter for the cup tie on Saturday.

We were impressive on a difficult pich. It’s a shame that the game was called off. There’s still nine games and plenty to play for. We want to finish as high as possible!’

The score line would not have been predicted having watched the opening 25 minutes. Town’s Brad Carsley looked to be struggling and the wind made it difficult for Town to play their regular football. In the opening exchanges Town had a few set pieces that troubled the away side; the first after two minutes after the keeper handled the ball outside the area. Brad Carsley was found from the resulting free kick but unmarked he headed past the post. Then on the 22nd minute Keiran Walmsley had a crack from 25 yards and the ball looked set to be sailing over till the wind caught it but unlucky for Town it hit the top of the bar before going out for a goal kick.

On the 28th minute Ash Ball was set loose. His direct run got him into the area and Eagley’s Jack Horan was the unfortunate offender and shown a straight red; Ball’s pace was just too much for him. Brad Carsley stepped up and converted the resulting penalty.

Town were in the ascendency and Ball found Ryan McKenna on the wing. McKenna played it back and Ball fired from the edge of the area winning a corner kick. Walmsley found Carsley who headed down – was it cleared with a hand?

On the 42nd it was 2-0. Excellent build up play, Jordan Bowen, McKenna, Carsley through to Ash Ball who dinked the ball over Tom Macdonald. On the stroke of half time Town deservedly got their third. Walmsley’s free kick was headed in by Brad Carsley who bulleted his header home.

At half time Carsley was replaced by Cory Bent and he was instantly involved. On the opening minute of the second half he found McKenna with a low cross and McKenna made it 4-0. It didn’t take long for McKenna to get his second, dinking the keeper after being slid in by Joe Melling to make it 5-0.

Just as the rain was stopping the referee stopped play and decided the match should be postponed. The fixture will be replayed on the 30th April.