Non-league round-up: FA Cup joy for Longridge Town and Charnock Richard
Longridge Town are through to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup after a last-gasp 3-2 win at Widnes.
Substitute Joe Melling got the winner in stoppage time to make it a memorable afternoon for Lee Ashcroft’s side in the preliminary round.
James Steele gave Widnes a 17th-minute lead but Town were back on level terms four minutes before the break when Jack Anderton curled a shot into the bottom corner.
Paul Turner then put Longridge ahead in the 67th minute, finishing well after a fine run.
But 10 minutes later the scores were all square once more, Jamie Rainford on target for the hosts.
Melling had replaced Tom Ince by then and made his mark on the tie late on when Anderton was brought down in the box two minutes into the four which were added on.
The substitute kept his cool, Melling slotting home the penalty kick to send Longridge into raptures...and the next round of the cup.
Charnock Richard went through on penalties at Northwich Victoria.
Vics went ahead in the third minute through Matthew Birchall, but most of the action came late on.
Carl Grimshaw made it 1-1 from the penalty spot in the 70th minute and Daniel Regan looked like he had won it for Charnock with a 78th-minute strike.
But six minutes later it was 2-2 when Saul Henderson levelled for Vics.
The game went to spot-kicks, the visitors winning 5-4 in the shoot-out.
Elsewhere, Clitheroe went down 1-0 at Warrington Rylands, Stephen Milne (56) getting the goal.
And Kendal Town were well beaten at home, Bishop Auckland winning 5-0.
Meanhile, Chorley were beaten 3-1 at Radcliffe Borough in their friendly clash. Lewis Reilly got the Magpies’ goal.
Elsewhere, Lancaster City went down 4-2 at home to Spennymoor Town.