Ashcroft made three changes to the side that suffered defeat to West Didsbury at the weekend, as Mitch Marshall and Jack Anderton returned to the XI, whilst Lewis Richmond made his full debut in the middle of the park.

As mentioned, Town started the game very brightly.

Leighton Hewitt had his first of many effort just four minutes, looking to test the 'keeper from distance but his effort was held.

Moments later and Lucas Wane received it down the left before curling it inside towards Van Wyk, who took aim from 20 yards but it bent wide.

On 14 minutes Harvey Roberts swung a free kick into Trafford whose initial header was blocked, and his second header at goal was just about kept out by Jakovlevs in goal.

It was then Jack Anderton's turn to see an effort held onto by Jakovlevs as his effort from the left was gathered.

Town's pressure paid off just after the 20 minutes mark.

Ryan McLean surged forward down the left before having his heels clipped by a Barlick defender.

Roberts stepped up and curled the free kick towards the top corner, before hit the inside of the post and bounced over the line.

Town's lead was throughly deserved at this point, but the hosts looked to hit back as a shot from the left deflected into the side netting, before Town cleared from the resulting corner.

Charlie Alston and Will Procter were then booked for an off the ball incident.

The hosts then won a free kick down the left.

Captain Andy Hill went for goal from the tight angle, forcing Mason Walker to tip it over the bar.

Barlick's Jack Gooden rifled it wide after Gareth Hill had pulled it across goal as the hosts continued their good spell.

McLean took a knock just before the break and had to sit out for a moment, thankfully he was okay to continue.

After half time, Barnoldswick continued their spell.

Almost straight from kick off, Ryan Moore headed just wide after a cross from Gooden.

However the Ridge had a spell of their own, and Wane came close after firing over from Anderton's square ball on 53 minutes.

Unfortunately it didn't last, and they found themselves level soon after.

According to the officials, Barnoldswick had scrambled it over the line following a skirmish just inches from the goal.

Will Procter wheeled away in celebration as Town players protested.

It would do them no good however as the goal was given.

Just over ten minutes later and the hosts had turned the game on it's head.

It was a cool finish from the right hand side of the area by Gareth Hill as he found the opposite corner under little pressure.

Ashcroft responded by bringing Luke Smith into play, replacing Lucas Wane.

The game then took another twist, as Barlick captain Andy Hill was sent off for a rash challenge on Harvey Roberts down the left hand side.

Town immediately looked to equalise.

McLean brought it in down the left, beating his man and squaring it to Van Wyk who poked it home.

Unfortunately, McLean had apparently ran it out of the play as he crossed it.

The Ridge made a couple of changes before the dying stages, with Joel Phelps and Jordan Dainty replacing Lewis Richmond and Charlie Alston.

With not too long left, McLean pulled up after the chasing the loose ball, as did Barlick's Clark.

Clark had to be replaced but somehow McLean was up and playing again.

With six added minutes at the end of the 90, Town starting throwing everything at ten man Barlick in the dying stages.

Roberts saw a long shot held by Jakovlevs, before Hewitt also fired one over the bar.

With seconds left, Town won a free kick down the right.

Goalkeeper Mason Walker ran forward to join the attack.

Anderton's delivery was headed out but only as far as Joel Phelps, unfortunately the forward's effort was over.

As the goal kick was signaled, the referee blew full time.

The hosts making it six wins out of seven games, Town came away empty handed but a chance to now reset ahead of Saturday.

We host newly promoted South Liverpool at the weekend.

Following this, AFC Liverpool come to Town on Tuesday 17th September.

A big thank you to those who travelled down to Barnoldswick and supported boys.

A tough result but we go again.

#UpTheRidge

The Goals

Barnoldswick: Procter (54'), G.Hill (65')

Longridge: Roberts (22')

The Teams

Barnoldswick: Jakovlevs, Wallbank, Ditch, Barksi, Gooden, E.Gough, A.Hill, Moore, Farmer (Clark 62') (B.Gough 87'), G.Hill (Carmichael 90+2'), Procter

Longridge: Walker, Alston (Dainty 80'), Trafford, Marshall, McLean, Richmond (Phelps 73'), Roberts, Hewitt, Wane (Smith 68'), Anderton, Van Wyk