Garstang boss left to rue controversial derby goal

With the scores locked at 0-0 after a goalless first half, the Riversiders were rocked just 30 seconds after the interval when Brad Carsley opened the scoring for the home side.

The strike proved to be a pivotal moment in the game as Town went on to win 
handsomely, with Carsley scoring all of his side’s goals.

However, Crossley felt the goal should have been 
disallowed due to a foul on his goalkeeper Dan Curwen by Carsley. Despite the sense of that injustice and other 
decisions which did not go his side’s way on the day, Crossley conceded Longridge were 
deserved winners.

“The first goal changed the course of the game,” Crossley said. “I think our keeper needed protecting a little bit more. The Longridge lad has slid in with his foot up. But we were not good enough on the day. They were the better side.”

Garstang are set to play their first home game since November 21 – weather 
permitting – when they host Blackpool Wren Rovers on Saturday.

The club’s Riverside ground was devastated by floods in December but after a mammoth effort by the club and the community, the 
reserve team were able to play there last weekend.

Crossley called on his men to mark the occasion of their first game back at their ground since the floods with a much improved performance against Rovers.

He said: “We looked a 
leggy side on Saturday because of the break.

“Blackpool will be full of confidence after beating Charnock Richard. We have got them twice this month in the league and cup.

“Hopefully the Longridge game is the kick up the backsides we needed and we will bounce back.”