Match Report: Longridge Town 8-1 Atherton LR

Just two changes for Town yesterday for the visit of Atherton LR, as Brad Wicks replaced Chris Turner, who sadly suffered a broken ankle in Wednesday nights win over AVRO, and Rio Wilson-Heyes made his full debut in place of the absent Isaac Sinclair who was away on International duty with England Schools.

The visitors however, had seven debutants in a new look side, and looked athletic and sharp in the opening exchanges.

Leading scorer Jay Hart settles any nerves and got Longridge off the mark after eight minutes, cutting inside from the right and firing a left footed shot back across the keeper to make it 1-0.

Atherton weren’t dispirited however, but Towns defence held firm with Thomason in particular making an excellent start to the game.

On 27 minutes the brilliant Tom Ince scored a brilliant goal, hitting a 25 yard effort that dipped and swerved before flying past Havern in the away nets. 2-0, and Town settled into their passing rhythm.

Half time came without the lads increasing their lead, and the next goal would be vital as Atherton looked like they had goals in them going forward.

HALF TIME LTFC 2-0 ATHERTON LR

Wilson-Heyes got his first goal for the club after 58 minutes, volleying in at the far post after superb work by Hart who beat his man before dinking it to the flying winger who hammered the ball hime. 3-0 Town.

Atherton got a goal back just two minutes later as Halliwell headed a looping effort back over Lee Dovey after a deep corner from the right. 3 -1 with half an hour to play.

Striker Richie Allen then scored a five minute hat trick, his second in two games.

The first was put on a plate by Hart as Richie nodded into an open goal after a beautiful run and cross from Jay. The second was driven home after being fed by Wilson-Heyes and the third on 74 minutes was a close range finish to change the score from 3-1 to 6-1 with 74 minutes gone.

Havern in the visitors goal was under siege, but made three superb saves to keep the rampaging front four of Hart, Ince, Allen and Wilson- Heyes at bay as Town looked to keep their goal difference going.

With 90 minutes on the clock Sub Paul Turner then thrashed the ball home,after Havern had saved from Hart, to make it 7-1.

Richie wasn’t finished and in the third minute of time added on he scored his fourth, and Towns eighth, beating the offside trap to shoot past Havern and finish the game on a high.

8-1 Town, but credit to Atherton LR who were in the game for an hour before tiring later on.

Man of the Match went to the excellent George Thomason, the 18 year old having his third excellent game in 8 days, and the youngster was roundly applauded avert the game by team mates and supporters alike as he accepted his award.

Town remain 12 points clear at the top of the NWCFL Division One North, with closest rivals AVRO having three games in hand.

Friday night sees Ashey and the lads travel to in form AFC Liverpool, with the game moved forward from Saturday as landlord’s Marine FC have a home fixture.

For supporters wishing attend the game, and get behind the lads, the postcode for the Marine Travel Arena is L23 3AS, with a 7.45 kick off scheduled.