Longridge Town signed off at home for the season as deserved victors over a resilient ten man Burscough side in an action packed six goal thriller.

An early penalty that saw Linnets captain James McCullough take an early shower, was dispatched by Will Procter.

The away side were down a man, but this didn't deter them, with hitman Callum Laird pulling them level.

A goal either side of half time by Luke Smith and Paul Turner saw Town take a two goal advantage, before Josh Ashe made it four.

Laird got another one back but Town held firm and saw the result out.

There was just one change to the Town side, with Ethan Gough making his return to the midfield.

Procter had a very busy first half.

The striker had two early efforts on goal, with one blocked and one deflecting into the arms of Burscough shot stopper Harry Grimshaw.

Procter then flicked an Ashe cross goalwards but it was comfortablely held by Grimshaw.

A goalbound effort on 20 minutes struck the arm of McCullough.

The referee promptly pointed to the spot and showed the Burscough captain a red card.

Procter stepped up and calmly sent Grimshaw the wrong way to get his goal and open the scoring.

However, the visitors responded instantly, as a Harry Cannon-Noren cross was diverted into the roof of the net by Laird from close range.

As Town looked to go back infront, a well hit 25 yard free kick was tipped over the bar Grimshaw.

On the stroke of half time, Leighton Hewitt linked nicely with Smith down the right.

The midfielder got his cross into the danger zone, but it looped over the goalkeeper's head and into the far corner, restoring Town's lead.

Laird almost ran in on goal just moments into the second half, however a crucial intervention from Ben Fletcher prevented the forward having a clear chance.

Miller Megson then got forward down the left.

His deep cross picked out L.Hewitt who volleyed just inches wide of the near post.

The Town pressure would pay off though, as a peach of a cross from Jack Anderton was nodded into the net by Turner to add a third.

The visiting side then missed a golden opportunity.

Laird lobbed the ball onto the post before looking to stab home the rebound.

However, Gough reacted brilliantly to block it on the line.

Cannon-Noren was then sin-binned for dissent, leaving the Linnets down to nine men for ten minutes.

Town took advantage.

Burscough scrambled to clear a Longridge corner, only for it to fall to Ashe who set himself before rifling into the bottom corner, making it four.

It wasn't plain sailing though, as a miscued Kai Crowe clearance fell into the path of Laird who pulled one back.

Gough was unfortunate to not make it a high five, with a free kick deflecting just inches over the bar.

He played a one-two from the resulting corner before smashing it goalwards from range, only for Grimshaw to punch it over the bar.

After a fantastic shift, Procter then made way as the first substitution of the evening.

He was replaced by Lucas Wane.

A very late challenge on Smith by Harry Johnson was punished with a yellow card with just over ten minutes left.

Laird raced onto a ball down the left and looked to be making his way in on goal.

However, Megson was there to gallop over and make a fantastic challenge.

Town then made their final changes, with Megson, Anderton and Turner making way for Aaron Hewitt, Carson Greaves and Ryan Katumba.

One of the substitutes, A.Hewit then flashes a brilliant ball across goal from by the corner flag with two red shirts sniffing around it, but neither could make the required contact.

The substitutes were effective again as Wane had an effort on goal held by Grimshaw, after playing a nice one-two with Katumba.

After four minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew his full time whistle, confirming a much needed win for Town.

The boys then received an incredible reception as they departed the field.

Thank you for your brilliant support, not just tonight, but over the course of the season.

We travel to newly crowned champions Wythenshawe to finish our season, hopefully on a high.

Speaking after the game, Leeds United loanee Miller Megson echoed the thoughts of everyone at the club.

"I thought it was a good win.

"The early goal helped, it was a good performance and a good way to end off the season.

"I think we've deserved one.

"Results have not gone our way and I think we've been unlucky but it's good to get a win in tonight."

You can watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeZEkDOn2tc

It's been a long old season, but your support has been phenomenal.

Any support at Wythenshawe would be greatly appreciated.

We'll see you all again next season as we go again.

#UpTheRidge

The Goals:

Longridge: Procter (20'), Smith (45'), Turner (49'), Ashe (57')

Burscough: Laird (23', 64')

The Teams:

Longridge: Crowe, Hewitt, Fletcher, Wilkinson, Megson (A.Hewitt 82'), Gough, Smith, Ashe, Anderton (Greaves 86'), Turner (Katumba 86'), Procter (Wane 77')

Burscough: Grimshaw, Cannon-Noren, McCulloch, Briscoe, Pennington (Walsh 62'), Johnson, Dowling (Mukoko 70'), Salkeld, Hamilton, Laird