Match Report: Longridge Town 6-1 Barnoldswick Town

FA Cup debutants Longridge Town knocked six past fellow North West Counties Premier Division side Barnoldswick Town yesterday to progress through to the preliminary round of the competition.

392 spectators braved the elements to see the start of the oldest Cup competition in the world (and also the FA Cup itself) at the MRG and were treated to a goal fest in a historic day for the club and the town.

Man of the Match Paul Turner bagged a hat-trick for the hosts, Finlay Sinclair-Smith scored a brace and defender Dan Birch opened his account for the club on a day that will not be forgotten.

Ashcroft’s men fell behind again for the third time in three matches, Richard Steear was slipped through on goal and slotted the ball past Lee Dovey. Steear looked offside in the build-up but the goal was given to the frustration of the Town players and supporters. Turner, who looked lively leading the Town attack, equalised for the Ridge firing home after being played through by Tom Ince.

Barnoldswick had their chances too, just after the half hour mark Dovey was again called into action producing a fine save to keep the scores level. Birch added a second for Town, advancing into the box before unleashing an unstoppable strike at the near post.

In a frantic five minutes before half time the hosts added a further three goals. Town captain Ince again set up Turner for his second crossing the ball to the young forward who saw the Barnoldswick keeper off his line.

A minute into stoppage time Turner unselfishly squared the ball to Sinclair-Smith who nodded into the empty goal. Sinclair-Smith added his second on the fourth minute of added time with George Thomason slipping in the youngster who fired home to make it 5-1 at half time.

The second half was less action packed with Dovey having a quiet afternoon in the Town goal.

Turner added his third of the afternoon just after the hour seizing on a mistake by the defence and curling the ball into the back of the net as he slipped.

All in all it was a fantastic day for all involved at the club, for who have seen the progression of the club under Ashcroft’s tenure and for new fans alike. The result sets up a tie away at Charnock Richard in the preliminary round, with the fixture provisionally due to take place on 24 August.

Town Team
Dovey, Birch 36, Wilkinson, McKenna, Tucker, Tomason, Wicks (Lawrence), Linighan (Garstang), Turner 25/43/63 (Brewster), Ince, Sinclair Smith 45+1/45+4)

Unused Subs:
Maddox, Murphy,Wood, Hunt (GK)

Barnoldswick Team:
Livesey, Brierley (Crorken), McEneaney, Hill, Young, Gibson (Airey), Ralph, Kershaw, Seear 12, Noblet (Melia), Sultan

Unused Subs: Eastwood, Cookson, Thomsom, Foulds