Match Report: Longridge Town 2-0 Congleton Town

Elliot Pond’s first half volley followed by John-Jo Morris’ second half spot kick saw Town defeat the Cheshire based side after Saturday’s game finished 2-2 after extra time.

The game started slowly with the Ridge seeing more of the chances but it wasn’t until the 36th minute that the deadlock was broken.

Young Morris conducted himself brilliantly with a good turn and cross into Pond who hit the ball first time on the volley and rattled it into the back of the net.

Close to the interval the Longridge faithful were concerned to see Town forced into an early sub with captain Tom Ince leaving the field injured with Dan Birch coming on in his place.

The second half started brightly with both sides now going for it knowing that the next goal would be crucial.

Josh Heaton was involved in two close chances within minutes of each other, seeing his header lift over the bar before his next chance was saved by Riccardo Longato in the Congleton goal.

Moments later it looked as though the visitors would draw level as Daniel Cope looked to make a difference, going one on one with Dovey but he could only see his shot wide.

Ten minutes from time goal scorer Pond was clattered down in the area and the referee pointed to the spot to give Town chance to further their lead and put one foot into the fourth round.

Morris, who earned his place in the first team after some eyecatching displays with the reserves, stepped up to take and made no mistake about slamming the ball past Longato to double the home side’s lead, much to the delight of the home supporters in attendance.

Ten minutes later the referee blew his whistle for full-time which marked Town earning their place in the last 32 of the Vase, and setting up a home tie against Midland League Premier Division side Newark Flowserve, to be played the weekend of the 11th January at the MRG.

The Ridge are at home again this weekend as the welcome Skelmersdale United to the MRG on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Longridge Town: Dovey, McKenna, Carsley, Wicks, Heaton, Wilkinson (Fletcher), Harries, Thomason, Pond 36, Ince (CAPT) (Birch), Morris 82

Subs not used: Turner, Hunt

Congleton Town: Longato, Connor, Bridge, Griffiths (CAPT) (Beaumont), Morris, Ruder, Diskin, Horrocks (Taylor-Mountford), Cope, Burey, Brislen (Speed)

Subs not used: McLellan, Williams