New Mills 1-2 Burscough

Burscough continued their fine form in March with a 2-1 victory away at New Mills, writes Adam Saint.

A Niall Cummins brace and impressive goalkeeping from Tim Horn made sure that it was three wins in three for the Linnets.

The Greens actually found themselves a goal down after just two minutes when the New Mills number 9 went down in dramatic fashion inside the Burscough penalty area in what would have impressed Great Britain Olympian Tom Daley on an episode of “Splash”. Fitzpatrick despatched the spot kick and the Linnets had their work cut out.

Burscough had the chance to go level just two minutes later. A fierce drive by Louis Mayers from 30 yards just went wide of the post.

In the 8th minute though the visitors were level. Top scorer Niall Cummins chested down a Lynch through ball and placed his shot into the bottom corner well beyond the reach of the Millers keeper.

The Linnets had the ball in the net again but Louis Mayers' finish was deemed to be offside by the official.

The major talking point of this game though was yet to come. In the 21st minute the New Mills stopper was given his marching orders after he handled the ball outside the 18 yard box.

The second half would begin with the away side piling pressure onto the 10-men hosts. This pressure would pay off in the 49th minute when the Greens were given a penalty. Cummins stepped up but the keeper made a good save, only for Cummins to bury the rebound.

Burscough would have yet another goal disallowed for offside as they turned the screw on their opponents. After this however, New Mills would throw caution to the wind as they searched desperately for an equaliser.

A string of good saves from Tim Horn would prevent this though and after weathering a late storm, the Greens would leave the High Peaks with three points and now three wins in a row.

The Burscough second-string also had an impressive win on Saturday, with a 5-1 hammering of Colne to take them up to third in the Lancashire League.

The Linnets are back in action on Saturday when they entertain Prescot Cables, kick off 3pm.

Burscough team: Horn, Duff (Rushton-Woods), Quirk, Dodd, Thompson, Tyson, Caddick, Lynch, Cummins, J Williams, Mayers.

Unused Subs: C Roberts, Martland.

Star Man: Tim Horn

Half time: New Mills 1-1 Burscough
Full time: New Mills 1-2 Burscough