The Ridge took a point away from home at City of Liverpool.

Town led twice, through a league debut goal from Will Procter and a stunner from Luke Smith.

However, both times they were pegged back almost instantly, following a brace from Andy Mandjoba.

There were five changes from the side that fell to defeat in the Macron Cup, with a more familiar looking line-up starting from the off.

Town started the game well, but seeing efforts from the eventual scorers go to waste.

Smith's 20 yard effort rolled into the arms of Purps goalkeeper Harry Campbell, whilst Procter could only hook a half chance over the bar from a tight angle.

Joseph Cunningham responded for the hosts, dragging a shot wide of Oliver Bellizia's from 25 yards.

As it was fired into the feet of Liam Atkinson, the attacker brilliantly spun his man with a single touch and found Procter, who saw his effort bounce back off the legs off Fidan Hajdari.

Bellizia then made his first save of the evening, denying Mandjoba in a one-on-one.

Town responded by winning a corner.

As Smith's delivery landed at the feet of Ryan McLean, whose effort was blocked practically on the goal line.

McLean was then dangerous again.

The wing back crossed into the six yard box, for Campbell to be clattered by his own captain whilst attempting to clear.

It fell to High, who snatched at it and sent it over the bar.

Moments after seeing another effort held by the young goalkeeper, Mandjoba finally beat Bellizia, however the offside flag would be promptly raised, chalking of the Purp's potential opener.

McLean bent a brilliant ball around the Purps defence, Atkinson latched onto it before driving forward and seeing his effort kept out by Campbell.

Leighton Hewitt saw a tame effort held by the Campbell, before his opposite number one made a similar save to deny Robbie Morrow from the right hand side.

Stephen Milne was the first booking of the evening, clattering Anderton in the attackers own half.

Just before half time, Mitch Marshall had to be on hand to clear a square ball that was heading for Mandjoba, who had an open goal to aim at.

Thankfully, the defender was there to intercept and get it clear.

The basketball nature of the match continued as we entered the second 45.

Atkinson saw a powerful effort from the edge of the box pushed past the right hand side post by Campbell.

Bellizia then made a great save with his ever busy hands as the home side broke.

Town settled and then took their turn to attack.

A Hewitt cross was fired at goal bu Atkinson, but it deflected off a defender and landed at the feet of Procter.

The attacker's initial effort was blocked, but he managed to stab it home at the second time of asking to break the deadlock and grab his first goal for the Ridge.

However, the lead didn't last long.

Five minutes later, and Mandjoba restored parity by rifling in at the near post.

The home side then had another chance barely even minute later, forcing Bellizia to keep out a low effort with his legs.

However Town would race forward on the counter attack.

Atkinson crossed into strike partner Procter who nodded onto the crossbar.

The latter would then see another big chance go begging, poking over from close range after Smith had headed a Hewitt cross back into the danger zone.

Marshall then made another heroic tackle, preventing Milne from having a clear cut chance on the Town goal.

Ashcroft then went to his bench for the first time, replacing Procter with Jack Arrowsmith, who made his first appearance in over four months after another injury setback.

It's great to see you back again, Arrows.

Hewitt looked to catch Campbell out from 30 yards, aiming for the bottom corner.

It had the 'keeper scrambling, but he eventually held onto it.

After Milne had sent a 20 yard free kick over the crossbar, Town made their second change.

Carson Greaves took the place of Connor High.

Another Longridge cross befell the Purps defence through McLean but it was headed out.

However, it went only as far as the left boot of Luke Smith who promptly smashed it into the top left corner on the volley.

Talk about a screamer.

Once again though, Town couldn't hold the line.

A free kick was given away by Hewitt down the right before he immediately departed for Ethan Edmundson.

Milne's delivery seemingly went all the way into the bottom corner, from practically the corner flag.

Smith saw his name in light again, volleying at goal from almost the same position as before.

This time it would deflect wide for a corner that Trafford would head into the side netting.

Anderton would fire just wide of the far post from left hand side of the penalty area but Town wouldn't see another chance on goal before the full time whistle was blown.

Longridge will be disappointed with taking just a point away from the game, but there were many positives to take.

We go again away at West Didsbury & Chorlton on Saturday 4th October.

The next home game to get in the diary is on Saturday 11th October when we host South Liverpool.

We then host Glossop North End exactly a week later.

A massive thank you to those who travelled with us tonight, and for the support this season.

#UpTheRidge

The Goals

City of Liverpool: Mandjoba (60') Milne (83')

Longridge: Procter (55'), Smith (77')

The Teams

City of Liverpool: Campbell, Morrow, Hajdari, Murphy, Trappaso-Tully, Cunningham, Pearson, Brooks, Milne, Mandjoba

Longridge: Bellizia, Hewitt (Edmundson 82'), Marshall, Trafford, McLean, Anderton, Fletcher, High (Greaves 72'), Smith, Procter (Arrowsmith 67'), Atkinson