Ridge are champions

7 May 2019 02:16
Published by: Kian French

LONGRIDGE Town are the Hallmark Security League First Division North champions.

They clinched the title at the end of their first season in the competition with a 4-1 win over Holker Old Boys.

Town had started the day a point behind Avro, but their victory coupled with Avro's 1-0 defeat at AFC Liverpool ensured Lee Ashcroft's men ended the campaign in the top spot they have occupied for the majority of the season.

Paul Turner's opening goal on 27 minutes settled the home nerves and he added a second goal eight minutes into the second half.

Isaac Sinclair then made it 3-0 on 63 minutes before Turner completed his hat trick 11 minutes from time. John-Paul Stanway pulled back a consolation goal for Holker a minute from time.

Town manager Lee Ashcroft said: "It's been a hard season and the lads have been absolutely brilliant. We've been at the top of the league since August, and everyone wants to beat the league leaders.

"But fair play to Avro, it's not easy chasing someone and they have chased us all the way.

"At one point when we beat them at home we thought we had won it, but they kept coming back."

He added: "We have done it now and it's a fantastic occasion for the football club. I'd like to thank our chairman who has stood by me, and together we have done it.

"The planning for next season starts now. I have already agreed to meet two or three players next week, to try and make some additions to make us stronger and hopefully the players we have will stay around.

"It's a difficult league we are going into, but hopefully what we have done this year will make us stronger and ready for the challenge ahead."

Town chairman Kevin Harrison said: "It's an unbelievable feeling and I can't really explain it. We have come a long way in a short space of time."

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