Match Report: Ashton Town 0-4 Longridge Town

Longridge travelled to Ashton Town on Bank Holiday Monday looking for their fourth win in as many games, over just nine days as the busy start to the Hallmark Security NWCFL continued.

Town Captain George Melling was missing with a groin injury, as was Alex Murphy with Tom Ince on the bench as a precaution.

Both Brad Wicks and Jack Bennet started in centre midfield, with Gary Basterfield on the left of a back three.

This was a different test for Town, a sloping pitch, a difficult surface and a physical Ashton side.

However, with Allen and Hart up front, this duo has goals in it, and so it proved.

Allen opened the scoring after just seven minutes to settle Town, beating the keeper one on one, before his superb piece of skill found Phil Doughty on the quarter hour. The big centre half powered his header home to make it 2-0 to Town.

Ashton responded with a spell of pressure but Conor Linighan, playing on the right side of defence, was outstanding.

A real leader leading by example and Town dealt with everything thrown at them. 2-0 at half time and, for once, relatively comfortable for the travelling support.

No changes at half time for Longridge, and they carried on where they left off really, Allen and Hart linking well, with Morrison and Bennett winning the midfield battle.

Several chances went begging however before crowd favourite Jay Hart got the goal that his hard work deserved with 15 minutes remaining.

Wicks floated an inch perfect free kick to the far post and Hart nodded home to make the game safe. 3-0 Town.

Both Hart and Allen were then rested by Ashey, replaced by Paul Turner and Mitch Newsham.

Both made an impact with Newsham winning a penalty in the 85th minute, as Ashton’s frustrations grew.

Tom Ince had replaced Jack Bennett but his spot kick was well saved by the Home keeper, and the score remained 3-0.

Not for long though, as Turners through ball found Newsham, and the returning striker making his first appearance of the season, rounded the keeper to slot Home Town’s fourth goal. 4-0 in time added on.

The whistle went, Town supporters celebrated, and it was very much a feeling of ‘job done’ for Ashey and his side.

The result extends Town’s winning run to five games, as they sit 3rd in the Division after seven games.

This Saturday sees Longridge hit the ‘Road to Wembley’ as they make their debut appearance in the FA Vase, with Vauxhall Motors FC the visitors to The MRG.

A big crowd is expected with a 3pm Kick Off scheduled.