Longridge finally returned to League action as they made the trip to Haslingden St Mary's, and produced their finest team performance of the season to run out 6-1 winners.

Manager Lee Ashcroft picked a young side with suspension, and illness, robbing him of George Melling, Jordan Tucker and Kev Leadbetter. Midfielder Brad Wilks started in an unfamiliar Centre Half role, in a back 3 completed by Joey Mullen and Ben Ashcroft, with Alex Murphy and Joe Melling in the wing back spots.

It was a poor start for Town however with Matt Martindale rising highest to head home the opening goal for Haslingden after just 4 minutes. 1-0 down and things not looking great.

Conor Linighan saw his excellent header touched onto the bar by the Home keeper after 12 minutes, but Town then had Lee Dovey to thank as he saved well from the 'Hasy' forward when clean through on goal.

Mitch Newsham, starting up front with Captain Ash Ball (pictured), got Town up and running just 5 minutes later finishing with a close range overhead kick to make it 1-1 after 17 minutes.

Captain Ball was tireless, working well with Newsham, and Alex Murphy was running riot down the left. It was Murphy's ball into Newsham's feet that saw the 'Hasy' keeper concede a penalty, and give Town the chance to turn the game on it's head.

Mitch fired the ball into the top of the net to make it 1-2, and Town were beginning to click into gear.

Murphy then scored the goal of the game (so far!) driving down the left before firing a superb low shot across the keeper to make it 1-3 after 40 minutes.

Town weren't finished there though as Conor Linighan picked up the ball 30 yards from goal before hitting an unstoppable right footed shot into the top corner of the goal. 1-4 and Ashey's young side were enjoying themselves.

There was still time for Newsham to complete his Hat Trick, scoring Town's 3rd goal in 5 minutes, with a text book finish past the keeper after a slide rule pass from Ash Ball. 1-5 to Town on the cusp of half time.

The whistle went to end the half, and Town were applauded to a man from the hardy souls who had made the trip to the Rossendale Valley to follow their team.

As expected there were no changes at the interval, with Ashey reminding the lads that they were still in a game, and the standard set in the first 45 minutes could not be allowed to slip.

Ball created a chance for Halliwell after 50 minutes but, on a deteriorating surface, the skilfull midfielder slipped and saw his shot trickle just wide.

Town were relaxed now, playing the ball wide at will, and after a great run by Ash Ball, Danny Wilkinson made his trademark timed run into the area to make it 1-6 with 30 minutes to go.

Murphy had been outstanding for Town and he was taken off ,as a precaution, to a standing ovation as striker Chris Ward was introduced into the game, and Tutu came on to replace Mitch Newsham. Both lads had given their all and, with 4 goals between them, had played their part in this excellent performance.

Tutu's pace caused problems straight away as he ran at the Home defence, and Wardy was unlucky to see his close range effort sneak wide as he looked to add to his recent goal tally for the Reserves.

Jordan Wilder was given a run out as he replaced Halliwell, and Town now had an abundance of pace on the field as Ashey looked to expoit a tiring Home defence.

it wasn't to be however and the Referee, who had had an excellent game twice playing an advantage that led to a Town goal, blew for full time to put to an end a superb Team performance by Longridge.

After the match Ashey was clearly pleased with his side's work rate and finishing prowess, '' When they scored early on i feared the worst to be honest. We had a team of good, young footballers out there but the question was going to be whether we could match them physically on a difficult surface. I should have known better! When you've a lad like Ash Ball with the armband, and Dovey in the nets, the rest of the side just follwed their example. I honestly couldn't pick a Man of the Match today beacause every one of them was magnificent for me.''

'' I've said all along that this will be a totally different season for us, on and off the pitch, as we try to progress the Football Club and if we can continue to produce the effort, appliction and ability that we showed today then we'll be ok. A special word for the supporters that travelled here today as well. With not many Home games so far, i was pleased to be able to reward them for their loyalty with a decent performance.''

Next Saturday Longridge travel to Tempest United, whilst the Reserve's make the journey up to Milnthorpe FC. Both games have a 2pm Kick Off.