However, Towns' habit of giving the opposition a goal start continued with another flat start to the game. A Thornton corner was whipped in to the back post and Challinor bundled the ball home to give the visitors the lead after just 9 minutes. 0-1 Thornton.

Undeterred, Longridge continued with a neat passing game and were unlucky not to equalise when Newshams close range header was cleared off the line after 16 minutes.

It could have been worse for Town as Dovey saved well at the feet of a Thornton forward when found one on one with 20 minutes gone.

Although one down Town were playing well, with Thornton working harder than any team seen at The Ridge this season closing down and pressing high up the pitch. With Longridge dominating possession it seemed only a matter of time before the equaliser came but, long range efforts from Melling and Murphy aside, the visitors were coping well defensively.

Thankfully that changed on the stroke of half time as Wilkinson's slide rule pass found Newsham who drew the keeper before squaring the ball for Joe Melling to finish neatly at the far post. 1-1, and a different half time team talk for Ashey than planned.

No changes at half time and just 5 minutes in Newsham had a goal bound shot blocked by a last ditch Thornton challenge, as Town started the half as they'd finished the first.

The game now had a familiar pattern with Longridge playing the ball around superbly but Thornton defending like their lives depended on it.

Town made a change with an hour gone as Kieran Young replaced a limping Brad Wicks and last week's hat trick hero got himself involved immediately, chasing down the visitors defence.

With 68 minutes gone Murphy found space on the left, after being fed by Wilkinson, and his cross flicked off Young before Ash Ball hammered the ball home to give Town the lead. 2-1 up, and Thornton were tiring.

Tutu Chilufya replaced an injured Murphy with 15 minutes to go with Ash Ball going wide left as Town looked to finish the game off , and with 5 minutes remaining, the youngster scored a wonderful goal.

Wilkinson and Joe Melling worked the ball superbly down the right side before Wilkinson curled in a left footed cross. Rising above the keeper Tutu (pictured) flicked the ball home into the bottom corner to make the game safe, and finally the Home support could relax. 3-1 with minutes to go.

At full time both sides were applauded from the pitch as all present showed their appreciation. It had been a good game with Thornton very well organised and hard working.

After the match Ashey was full of praise for his midfield trio " I thought they were outstanding first half, moving the ball around superbly. We actually played well, after another stupid start, and I was just pleased that our movement of the ball caused Thornton to tire late on. Danny Wilks is in great form and played a part in all 3 goals tonight and , with Conor and Brad alongside him, we looked dangerous all night."

With fixtures coming thick and fast Town now play Hesketh Bank at Home tomorrow night, Thursday 22nd March with a 7.30 Kick Off at The MRG.

Thank you for your continued support.

Up the Ridge!