TERRIFIC TOM’S TREBLE TOPS FOR THE TOWN

WITH 32-goal top scorer Paul Turner missing, skipper Tom Ince stepped up to the plate with a superb display as Longridge Town claimed an FA Vase quarter-final spot.

In an outstanding first half display, Ince grabbed two goals – his first coming in the tenth minute as he rounded visiting keeper Joe Searson-Smithard to give his side an early grip on the tie.

The captain doubled his and Longridge’s tally when he took advantage of poor defending to slot home midway through the half.

The visitors briefly gave their huge travelling support something to cheer about as Ben Hutchinson crashed home a firm header from a delightful cross from Danny Meadows minutes later.

With the half nearing its close, the visitors made their task harder as defender Jurelle Phillip felled stand-in striker Danny Wilkinson in the box.

Winger John-Jo Morris tucked away the loose ball after Searson-Smithard had palmed away his initial effort.

The visitors made a couple of changes for the second half in search of a way back

Kyle Dixon tricked his way into the home box and fired in a great cross only to see it skim to safety on the far side as none of his teammates had read his intentions.

Having weathered the early second-half storm, the home side began to push forward with purpose, great interplay between Wilkinson, Morris and Ince created a chance for Scott Harries whose goal bound shot was cleared by visiting skipper Tom Potts.

Within minutes the home side were on their way to killing the game off.

Wilkinson finished with a superb effort after Ince had played him in with a deft backheel. Ince clinching his man of the match award with a clinical cross-shot in the last minute.

Home boss Lee Ashcroft said: “The way the lads responded was nothing short of fantastic I am so proud of them and they fully deserve their place in the hat for the draw.”