Match Report: Bacup Borough 0-3 Longridge Town

Goalscorer Richie Allen took the plaudits but there were excellent performances all over the field yesterday as Longridge ended Bacup's recent good form with a comprehensive 3-0 win at Cowtoot Lane.

Ashey stuck with the same starrting 11 from last week's penalty shootout loss to Garstang, with the returning Joe Melling fit enough to take a place on the bench.

In a strong wind, high up in the hills, this was a tricky game for Town as Bacup looked to win their 3rd game in succession kicking with the wind behind them in the first half.

Borough sat back though, allowing Town possession, whilst looking decent on the break with Michael Gervin catching the eye early on.

The star of the Bacup show though was to be goalkeeper Henry Turner who twice denied Jay Hart and Richie Allen in the opening 20 minutes, one save at the feet of Hart was outstanding to keep his side in the game.

Town were looking sharp however with Danny Gardener in particular beating his man time and time again, putting in several dangerous
crosses.

Richie got his first goal on the half hour mark after Turner had saved well from Hart. Danny Wilkinson picked up the loose ball
before being tripped in the area for a clear penalty, and the Longridge forward stepped up to hammer the ball low to Turner's right to put Town 0-1 up.

The pattern continued with Town having the majority of the possession, and Turner keeping the score down, before the referee blew for half time and some much needed respite from the wind for the travelling Town supporters who had swelled the Bacup crowd to its highest attendance of the season.

No changes at half time as Ashey looked for the vital second goal that should make the game safe.

It came after 60 minutes after brilliant work by Hart, beating two men wide right before cutting into the box and squaring the ball to Allen
who slotted home for his second of the game. 0-2 Town, who looked comfortable now with Lee Dovey untroubled between the posts at the other end.

Hart was then booked for dissent, sadly his 5th yellow of the season, and he'll now miss out on next Saturday's Cup game with Squires Gate.
With this in mind Paul Turner was introduced from the bench as Jay jogged off to strong applause after a great all round performance.

Dave Parker then replaced Ryan McKenna with 15 minutes remaining to make his debut for the Club having recently signed from Coppull United. It was a like for like change as Parker slotted in on the left hand side of the back three.

Bcaup then almost got a goal back as an inswinging corner was headed goalwards. With Dovey beaten Conor Linighan headed clear from under the crossbar to preserve a clean sheet.

Richie got his hat trick goal with 5 minutes remaining after linking well with Paul Turner, beating the keeper from 12 yards to finish off a comprehensive performance from Town. 0-3.

There was still time for the young Bacup keeper to excel once more as somehow he got a fingertip to namesake Paul Turners superb volley, sending the ball just past his right hand post.

As full time came both sides were applauded from the field, having played out an entertaining game in difficult conditions.

Wednesday night sees Longridge face Ashton Town at The MRG with a 7.45pm kick off.