Longridge Town get set to go again in the FA Vase

Town last played on October 31 as a result of the national lockdown and had been due to host Penistone Church in the FA Vase last Saturday.

With Lancashire in tier three of the initial post-lockdown locations, the match will have to be played behind closed doors.

Before the weather intervened, last weekend should have brought Longridge’s first match in five weeks.

They had prepared with a midweek friendly against Fulwood Amateurs, winning 4-3.

Hyuga Tanner, Owen Watkinson and Paul Turner (2) got the goals as Town boss Lee Ashcroft fielded a total of 15 players on the night.

Speaking to the club website afterwards, Ashcroft was just pleased to see his squad back playing.

He said: “It was a good workout, it was important to get some minutes under our belt.

“There was some pleasing stuff but you could tell the lads hadn’t played or trained together.

“The lads have been ticking over, it’s just the match sharpness wasn’t there.

“They (Penistone) will be in the same boat as us. It’s been a difficult season and we’re just hopeful we can get back playing.”

As well as the prize money and a place in round three, the two sides also know what lies in store following Monday’s draw for the next stage.

The winners this weekend will host either Jarrow or Warrington Rylands on Saturday, December 19.

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