[themaclad]

Daisy Hill 3 Longridge Town 3 Att 142

A trip to the outskirts of Westhoughton to see Daisy Hill meant a first visit to the New Sirs ground. Daisy Hill finished in one of the two relegation spots last season but due to the re organisation of lower league football stayed up, visitors Longridge newly promoted with a stack of other clubs were making their first visit to the ground.
A sizeable crowd which contained a mostly Town fans got a six goal thriller although the away support was probably a bit surprised that they didn't come away with three points.
Town dominated from the start hitting the bar and having one effort cleared from the line before in the 8th minute they took the lead when Allen was given far to much time and space to pick his spot and score, although mainly one way traffic the home side played some decent football but lacked a finishing touch.


Town had a great chance to make it two from the penalty spot when the home keeper brought down a Longridge forward however Allen's kick to his right was well saved. It was soon to be two when Longridge got in down the right hand side of the box, ball to Wilkinson didn't break his stride side footed into the net 2 up, nice goal.
Longridge were cruising but still managed to go in at the break losing. Wheels started to come off when a back pass from the touchline 25 yards out was slightly misplaced missed the keeper and found the net.
The keeper then went on a walkabout towards the corner spot didn't get the ball chased the home player into th box brought him down penalty, he went the right way for the kick but Iley's shot was perfectly placed all square, then just before thebreak Warburton's cross cum shot found the top corner and Hill were 3-2 up.
A tetchy start to the second half with many early stoppages due to handbags, chances were at a premium although Allen header over when well placed for Town. Majority of play was towards home sides goal but Daisy Hill looked dangerous on the break had one decent chance but the ball ended up in the car park.
Town piled forward looking for the equaliser it finally arrived in the 95th minute a corner from the right bit of head tennis and Tucker scored with virtually the last touch of the ball.
Credit to both sides good entertainment.