Longridge fell to a heavy defeat against Northern Premier League side Bamber Bridge in their seventh 2025 pre-season outing.

Despite the scoreline looks pretty bad, Lee Ashcroft's reds actually put in a very decent shift.

Brig were helped by the performance of goalkeeper Aiden Dowling, who kept the Ridge at bay on multiple occasions.

Town even had the first chance, though Liam Atkinson dragged it wide from the edge of the box.

The striker then put it wide again from the edge again, as it rolled into the side netting.

Harry Scarborough almost broke the deadlock on the counter as Isaac Abankwe fired it across the six yard box, only for the attacker to poke it well wide.

Scarborough would then helpd as the first goal was scored.

His effort was cleared off the line by McLean, whose clearance rebounded off goalkeeper Bellizia and into the net.

An unlucky goal to conceded but there was still time to make amends.

There was almost an instant response as just a minute later, Ben Trafford flicked a Connor High corner onto Mitch Marshall whose header landed in the arms of Dowling.

Marshall then looked to create something himself, as his cross was nodded into Dowling's arms by Van Wyk.

Town were having chances but they were tame.

However Atkinson decided to really test Dowling for the first time, as his powerful effort from 20 yards was parried and then held.

The goalkeeper then made another brilliant save from close range as Town began to pile on the pressure.

Unfortunately, as soon as Longridge looked dangerous, Brig got a second.

Following a mix-up between Trafford and Bellizia, Tom Johnson had an easy tap in to make to double Bamber Bridge's lead.

At half time, Lewis Richmond, Jordan Dainty, Lewis Richmond and Charlie Markland made their way on.

Atkinson picked up where he left off, firing at effort at goal towards the near post which Dowling beat behind for a corner.

Substitute Markland raced onto a long ball from the back just two minutes later and managed to actually round Dowling.

Unfortunately, he failed to generate enough power on the shot as it was easily gathered.

Town then should've scored again.

Markland pulled it back across goal for Dainty whose close range effort was straight at Dowling.

Bamber Bridge then had their first chance of the second half, as Ewan Bange rifled it wide after another pull back.

Mark Cullen then lashed over from 20 yards after receiving one over the top.

Then followed a much more frustrating passage of play for Town.

Markland saw his first effort palmed out by Dowling, before seeing his rebound kept out too.

In typical fashion, Brig then added a third, as Bange battered it in from close range.

The game seemingly fizzled out from there.

However, Bange scored the pick of the bunch deep into stoppage time, cutting back and firing into the far corner for a fourth.

The full time whistle blew seconds later, confirming the goal as the final touch of the ball.

A big thank you to the 104 who braved 28° heat to back the sides.

We're back at home next Saturday, when we host another Northern Prem side in Lancaster City.

Thank you again for your brilliant ongoing support.

#UpTheRidge

The Goals:

Longridge: N/A

Bamber Bridge: Bellizia (OG 30'), Johnson 45', Bange (76' 90+5')

The Teams:

Longridge first half: Bellizia, Marshall, Trafford, McLean, Anderton, High, Butler, Greaves, Smith, Van Wyk, Atkinson

Longridge second half: Bellizia, Fee, Trafford, McLean, Cunningham, Richmond, Dainty, Hewitt, Markland, Van Wyk, Atkinson

Bamber Bridge: Dowling, Allen, Abankwe, Grand, Adubofour, Bould, Potts, Forbes, Johnson, Scarborough, Bange

Subs: Cullen, Churchman, Wallbank, Poilly, Knight-Perciveal, Baxter