Town almost responded perfectly as Luke Smith worked the ball over Atkinson who swung his foot at it but once again, the wind seemingly took it away from him.

Thankfully the condition died down moments later, not after a Litherland player had also been victim to the blustery conditions conceding a corner.

Town took advantage and drew REMY blood.

Liam Atkinson restored parity as Mitch Marshall blocked a clearance before crossing into the forward who blasted it home.

Atkinson was close again 12 minutes later, as McLean's throw found the attacker who turned and fired just over the bar on the volley.

Leighton Hewitt saw a close range header cleared off the line and an Anderton free kick flew into the arms of the goalkeeper moments later.

Anderton managed to win it back just before the half hour mark and pick out Atkinson who fired over from just inside the area.

Hewitt then pinged one over moments later.

The constant pressure would eventually pay off for the Ridge as they broke superbly from a Litherland attack and crafted their own.

Smith found Hewitt whose ball in was poked home again by Atkinson.

The hosts managed an effort just before the break as Walker held an effort by Hammill from distance.

As soon as the second half kicked off it was clear that REMY were not about to let Town play as they had in the first half.

Atkinson seemed in some discomfort after being strongly challenged in the air but managed to carry on.

The forward managed to get in behind following a long ball from the back but was dragged down as he raced through.

REMY's Beamon was booked for his troubles.

Host substitute Paul Foy was then seemingly frustrated by.... something. He then decided to take it out on Harvey Roberts, halving the youngster with the ball nowhere in sight.

Once again, a booking was deemed the fit punishment.

Owen Watkinson returned from his hamstring injury, replacing Jack Anderton off the bench.

The substitute made an instant impact, holding it up well before laying off Luke Smith.

Smith then rolled it to Atkinson whose effort was held by McLoughlin in goal.

The hosts then managed to level proceedings again.

Elliott Toner powerfully drove into the box and fired it past Walker.

In response, Ashcroft made a double change, with Matt Van Wyk and Jack Banks taking to the field in place of Luke Smith and Liam Atkinson.

Just as the before, the substitutes immediately impacted the game.

Van Wyk burst into the penalty area only to be brought down by Ben Reade.

The referee pointed to the spot.

Unfortunately, Van Wyk could not convert, and saw his spot kick beaten away by McLoughlin.

Lewis Richmond almost followed in the rebound but the 'keeper was equal to that too.

Down but not out, Town kept pushing as Hewitt nearly poked in as a corner fell to his feet but the hosts, defending like trojans kept Town out.

Then, the final dagger to the Longridge hearts was blown.

Premier Division top goalscorer James Hammill squeezed between two Town defenders and rifled it into the bottom corner.

One of the craziest ends to a game in recent times, and a perfect advert for the division.

We go again on Tuesday away at Squires Gate before travelling to newly promoted Abbey Hey on the Saturday.

We return home on Tuesday 1st October to begin our Macron Cup campaign against First Division side Holker Old Boys.

The comes the big one, as we host Bury on Saturday 5th October.

Please note this is a ticket only fixture and you will not gain entry without one.

You can buy your tickets by clicking on the link below, they're selling fast so be sure not to miss out.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-movkjel

The Goals

Litherland: Ogiugo (6'), Toner (78'), Hammill (90')

Longridge: Atkinson (12', 35')

The Teams

Litherland: McLoughlin, Reade, Broe, Beamon (I.Banks 66'), Fry, Bhatti, Toner, Durnell (Foy 55'), Hammill, Ogiugo (Farr 55'), Monthe (Merrifield (55')

Longridge: Walker, Marshall, Trafford, Bridges, McLean, Richmond, Smith (J.Banks 81'), Roberts, Hewitt, Anderton (Watkinson 70'), Atkinson (Van Wyk 81')