Ben Ashcroft (pictured) produced a Man of the Match performance, culminating in a glorious cross for Adam Stammers to head the winner for Longridge with just 12 minutes remaining, as Longridge earned 3 points on their return to The MRG with a 1-0 win over Burscough.

Manager Lee Ashcroft was once more forced to 'shuffle the pack' giving a 1st Team debut to Josh Porter at Centre Half, alongside returning skipper George Melling, and starting Brad Wilks in centre midfield with Adam Stammers on the left hand side.

Town's much maligned pitch was heavy, but no worse than many in the month of January, and it proved no hindrance to the Home side as they set about their visitors straight from the kick off.

Wilks shot just over twice in the space of 2 minutes early on, before Stammers fired in a 25 yard free kick that the visiting keeper did well to top over the crossbar.

Town were dominating possession, without creating too many clear cut chances, as Burscough sat deep and allowed them to attack at will. Whilst not offering much in the terms so attacking play, the visitors were very well organised and Longridge were restricted to long range efforts from Conor Linighan and Ash Ball.

With half time approaching Josh Porter saw his overhead kick from a corner cleared off the line, and you got the impression that it could be 'one of those days' for Asheys men.

0-0 at half time and, in the first Home game since August and in freezing temperatures, an excellent crowd approaching 100 recognised the fact that they were going to have to be patient if they were to see Longridge secure all 3 points.

Ben Ashcroft had had an excellent first half, working well with Wilkinson and Halliwell, and he remained Town's best attacking outlet as the 2nd half began.

He provided cross after cross from the left side, all of a fantastic quality, only to see Stammers, Wilkinson and Melling denied by the Burscough keeper.

On 65 minutes, and with the match following a now familiar pattern, Manager Ashcroft brought on Chris Ward to replace Mitch Newsham, moving Stammers more central.

Wilks saw his shot saved, before Ward was already celebrating before a last ditch defensive lunge cleared his effort off the line.

Ashcroft and Ball were attacking at will down the left as Burscough got deeper and deeper and, with 12 minutes remaining, another excellent cross from Ashcroft found Stammers rising highest at the far post. The skilful forwards' textbook downward header finally beat the visiting keeper to put Town 1-0 up, and the relief was evident amongst crowd, players and Management.

Dion Holden was introduced in place of match winner Stammers and Longridge were unlucky not to add a second goal as time ran out, with Wilks free kick just clearing the crossbar.

As the referee blew for full time, on a deteriorating pitch, Longridge celebrated preserving their 100% Home record and were applauded from the pitch by the home faithful.

After the Match Manager Lee Ashhcroft was pleased to have seen his side get all 3 points. " I just had the feeling that we weren't going to score if we played til midnight. We were doing everything right, but were probably just short of a bit of luck at the 'business end' of the pitch. Credit to Burscough, who were very organised, but the possession was unbelievable."

"It's a really strange season for us, with postponements and availability issues, and although it's January we've never really got any momentum going, but we finished the game with 5 lads under 21 years old,a clean sheet, and 3 points so there are plenty of positives for us today."

When asked to comment on Ashcroft Juniors outstanding performance the Gaffer was smiling as he said," Yeah, he did all right didn't he? Must be in the genes...".

Next Saturday Longridge entertain Vickerstown in the West Lancashire League Premier Divison at The MRG with a 2pm Kick Off scheduled.