The Ridge kept up their brilliant start to the 24/25 season with an emphatic win over struggling Colne.

Owen Watkinson ended his quest for his first goal since returning in style as he bagged four, against his former side.

The first of which came after just 15 minutes.

The striker had seen three shots turned away by the goalkeeper in the first 15.

Watkinson finally got his goal after connecting with an Anderton corner at the near post.

Three minutes later, and he got another.

Owen picked it up on the edge of the box and fired at goal.

He deflected off the calf of a defender, putting it in the corner and out of Allen's reach.

The Ridge then won a free kick on the edge of the box as the advancing Van Wyk was brought down by Allen.

Watkinson looked for his hat-trick as he rifled it at goal, it deflected into the path of Van Wyk who capitalised from close range.

Jacob Bridges looked for one of his own moments later but his 30 yard effort was held by the 'keeper.

However, the Reds couldn't keep the fourth at bay any longer, as Watkinson lashed a loose ball home from close range to surely, put the game beyond doubt.

But Ashcroft's men were not satisfied.

Colne looked get a spell of possession going to end the half but some brilliant pressing from Van Wyk ensured another.

Colne goalkeeper Allen's pass out was intercepted by Van Wyk, the forward then rounded the helpless goalkeeper and passed into the empty net.

Five goals to the good, The Ridge began the second half with a double change, as Mitch Marshall and Jacob Bridges were replaced by Nathan Whalley and Jordan Dainty.

Almost immediately, Watkinson snatched his fourth goal of the game heading home again at the near post.

That was the end of Owen's rout, but not Longridge's.

Substitute Jordan Dainty got in on the action as he dashed into the box from midfield and placed it into the bottom corner after beating a couple of Colne defenders.

On the hour mark moments later, Colne tested Jordan Gidley for the first time.

It was a great effort from distance by Omerod, but an even better save by Gildey to tip it over the bar as it headed for the top corner.

On a brace, Matt Van Wyk made way for Paul Turner.

PT then tapped home from close moments later with his first touch.

Substitute Leighton Hewitt looked to add a ninth as he brought down a great ball from midfield by Turner.

The youngster took it past the 'keeper but the touch which allowed him to do so, was a bit heavy, taking him wide.

He looked to pull it back across goal for Watkinson but a Colne defender got back just in time to clear.

With ten minutes left, brought a long awaited moment.

Following two years out with injury, some fantastic hard work and determination, young Charlie Alston returned to action, bringing a brilliant reception from the Ridge faithful.

He replaced Owen Watkinson, giving both of them a great reception.

With not long to go, and no real consequences for this action, Harvey Roberts spotted the goalkeeper off his line and went for the outrageous from the half way line, but it dipped wide of the goal.

Colne struck the crossbar in the dying stages Ali looked for a consolation, but it wasn't to be.

Following just two added minutes, the full time whistle blew, confirming nothing short of an incredible victory.

Flying up to 5th place, Town now take a break from league action as we return to the FA Cup.

Saturday brings to the Preliminary round against Midlands League side 1874 Northwich at Inglewhite Road.

We hope to see you all backing the boys again as we look to continue this rich run of form.

Find our next 5 games below.

1874 Northwich - Saturday 17th August 3pm - FA Cup preliminary round
Litherland REMYCA - Tuesday 20th August - 7:45pm - North West Counties Premier Division
Whitley Bay - Saturday 24th August - 3pm - FA Vase first qualifying round
Chadderton - Monday 26th August - 3pm - North West Counties Premier Division
Ramsbottom United - Saturday 31st August - 3pm - North West Counties Premier Division

Goals

Longridge: Watkinson (15', 18', 30', 47'), Van Wyk (22', 43'), Dainty (55'), Turner (60')

Colne: N/A

The Teams

Longridge: Gidley, Marshall (Whalley 46'), Trafford, Newton, McLean, Bridges (Dainty 46'), Smith, Roberts, Anderton (Hewitt 51'), Van Wyk (Turner 60'), Watkinson (Alston 79')

Colne: Allen, Lazaro, Bradbury-Allen (Moran 46'), Thornton, Langford, Fitton, Brindle, Butt, Green (Omerod 46'), Ali, Preece