5 MAY 2010

SKIPTON AFC 2 - LONG PRESTON FC 3

DIVISION 3

Having been assured promotion as runners up Long Preston knew a win would put pressure on Ighten Leigh to make the title theirs. With AFC Skipton due to leave the league at the seasons end the perception they would not provide a challenge in this game proved to be wide of the mark.

It was the away side who were first on the score sheet. On 3 mins a long throw on Long Preston's left was headed away by the home defence. Mounsey volleyed goalward and the ball ricocheted through the crowd of players and fell kindly for SNAPE to slot neatly into the corner.

Such has been Long Preston's ability to hold a lead of late they let the home side back into the game on 8 mins. Again a long throw was the starting point. The throw went directly into the box and was not cleared on two occasions. The ball bounced infront of a Skipton striker who duly swept the ball past the enraged Dugdale in the Long Preston goal.

Skipton were showing some good quick passing and outshone the visitors for most of the first half. Taking in to account their play it is hard to see how they have ended the season so low in the league. They were ahead on 11 mins. Working the ball down the right wing they crossed and the opposite winger pulled away from his marker to half-volley into the net.

Long Preston's most valuable asset in the second half of the season, whilst the fluidity of passing has diminished, has been their resilience. Following a cleared corner from the Long Preston left Kris Attewell swung a cross over from the right. SNAPE got free and rose highest to head the equaliser on 13 mins.

After the full-throttle start the game inevitably dropped in pace. Skipton were trying to pass through the Long Preston lines but were constantly re-butted by the defence. Long Preston were making an impact but by regularly rushing the ball forward couldn't get the ball under enough control to force meaningful chances.

With the second half panning out much the way the first half had. It looked as though Skipton were to at least hold out. That was not to be the case. On 55 mins SNAPE sealed his hat-trick when he headed in a Josh Marshall corner from inside the six yard box.

The game continued in the fashion it had been played throughout, Long Preston knowing the result was all that mattered sat off and looked to contain Skipton. Sometimes a dangerous tactic it paid off and the game went to the end without goalmouth incident.

As the final whistle blew the Long Preston substitutes ran to the players and showered them in (cheap) champagne. A fitting end to a successful season. The pressure is now on Ighten Leigh to keep their form and beat Settle in their final game to secure the outright league victory. Everyone connected with the black and yellows is hoping for a Settle victory of more than six goals and for the trophy to come to reside at the Maypole Inn. Normally these reports end 'UP THE BLACK AND YELLOWS'. For once it shall end, COME ON SETTLE!!!!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, Keane Attewell(80mins), P.Mounsey, N.Mulliner, J.Newhouse, J.Marshall(65mins), Kris Attewell, M.Snape, H.Bland, K.Green(75mins)

Substitutes

B.Marshall(75mins), J.Rodgers(80mins), J.Daley(65mins)

Goals

M.Snape(3)

Man of the match

J.Newhouse

29 APR 2010

SILSDEN WHITESTAR RESERVES 3 - LONG PRESTON FC 4

DIVISION 3

After originally arriving at the wrong pitch Long Preston moved their team en masse to the new facilities Silsden Whitestar are using this season. Even though the rain was falling and the skies dark the excellent changing rooms, perfect looking playing surface and fact that the game could secure promotion for the black and yellows certainly brightened the mood of the boys in black and yellow.

That mood was dimmed as Silsden took the lead. Following their gameplan of knocking the ball forward at every opportunity it paid off on 10 mins. The ball was knocked over Long Prestons back line, down the left channel. A striker reacted quickest and after a touch of composure finished at the near post.

Within two minutes of the re-start Long Preston were level. Kris Attewell intercepted a pass in the defence, he broke into midfield and passed low toward the strikers. The ball bounced kindly as it was contested and SNAPE found himself behind the defence with only the keeper to beat. The ball was lashed past the keeper and into the corner.

Long Preston settled into the game and passed the ball with varying degrees of success. On 22 mins Stanford found Josh Marshall on the right flank. He laid the ball inside to BLAND who, having found space from his marker bared down on the keeper and slotted home across the keeper.

As has been the way of late Long Preston could not hold the lead. A long ball from Silsden advanced them up the pitch and duly won them a corner kick. The ball was centred and a defender rose highest to head past Dugdale on 27mins.

The black and yellows took a deserved lead to half time. On 45 mins a throw on the Long Preston left was flicked inside by Snape. The ball fell to BLAND who had once again evaded his marker and fired the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Silsden, having slipped behind after taking the lead came back to the pitch with more purpose. Sticking to their attacking gameplan they found Long Preston sitting deeper in the second half. The pressure applied by the home side paid off on 50 mins. Another corner was to be Long Prestons undoing. This one should have been cleared twice before it fell at the feet of a Silsden player at the far post. His shot squeezed through a melee of players and in off the post.

A penalty claim was turned away by the referee but the scene was set for Long Preston as they counter attacked the home side as they were drawn out of their half looking for the winner.

A Long Preston corner kick was floated over on 65 mins. In a scramble the ball seemed to cross the line but the referee waved play on. The cleared ball was struck back in an adjudged to have been controlled with the arm by a Silsden player. After protest from the home side had died down MOUNSEY, in his trade mark style hit the ball hard past the keeper who had guessed the wrong way.

Wanting to hold the lead the black and yellows dropped dangerously deep and invited the home side on. Resolutely defending Long Prestons counter attacks provided enough relief and they held out for an important victory.

Unbeknown to the players AFC Skipton had beaten Waddington against the form of both teams. The nights results had secured promotion for Long Preston at the second time of asking. Recently it looked as though the form of the black and yellows had slipped so far that an agonising end to the season would bear no fruit. With one game left against AFC Skipton on Wednesday night a win would mean that if local rivals Settle were to beat Ighten Leigh on Saturday the title could be decided on goal difference. UP THE BLACK AND YELLOWS!!!!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, Keane Attewell, P.Mounsey, N.Mulliner, Kris Attewell, J.Marshall, C.Stanford, M.Snape(65mins), H.Bland, B.Marshall(45mins)

Substitutes

J.Newhouse(45mins), J.Rodgers, J.Daley(65mins)

Goals

P.Mounsey(1), M.Snape(1), H.Bland(2)

Man of the match

N.Mulliner 

27 APR 2010

IGHTON LEIGH RESERVES 7 - LONG PRESTON FC 1

DIVISION 3

By the good grace of Ighton Leigh's management and players this fixture had been moved as Long Preston initially could not raise 11 players. Seemingly priorities continued to lay elsewhere as they travelled to Burnley with only 12 men. Missing influential players they had an uphill task before the game had kicked off.

As expected it was immediate pressure from the home side. Forcing the ball forward at every opportunity the pace of the attackers was too much for the Long Preston defence to cope with. After a few corners had been conceded the pressure told. 10 minutes had elapsed when Ighton Leigh broke down the right and got behind the full back. Receiving the pull back the attacker had time to control the ball before sidefooting past Dugdale.

It wasn't long before the lead doubled, nearly an exact replica of the first goal put Long Preston 2 behind on 15 mins.

Ighton Leighs pace, movement, technique and determination outweighed Long Preston throughout the first half. The one and two touch football ran rings around the black and yellows. Occasionally a clearance was flicked forward for the visiting strikers but only once did they get off a shot, however it was narrowly off-target.

The third goal came on 25mins, a Long Preston clearance fell to a midfielder 25 yards from goal, he hit a dipping half volley that looped over Dugdale and into the net.

Moments before the break the home side were four in front. A long goal kick from Ighten Leigh was not met and bounced over the Long Preston back line. The striker showed good pace to meet the ball before the onrushing Dugdale and lobbed the ball into the net.

After the turnaround Ighton Leigh dropped their energy levels, Long Preston agonisingly had more of the ball but could not maintain a meaningful passing game and were picked off as they looked to get back into the tie.

On 55mins the lead was extended. A ball through the middle passed both the away sides midfield and defence, coolly the striker finished low to Dugdales right post.

Two minutes later the sixth goal really showed how far Long Preston heads had fallen. After saving from close range at his left post Dugdale turned to watch the ball bounce in the six yard box. With at least four defenders watching flat footed an attacker made the ground to stroke the ball home.

Long Preston did manage to scupper the home sides clean sheet on 67mins. Good interplay between Bland and Kris Attewell in the centre saw Attewell with time to pick a cross from the left. His centre found an un-marked SNAPE who headed past the keeper into the far corner.

The goal wasn't even to prove a consolation as Ighton Leigh added insult to the injured title chance on 73 mins. Long Preston's tired back line were caught out again by a ball over the top and again Dugdale was lobbed one-on-one.

Bland had chance to pull another back late on but shot over the bar.

All in all a bad day for the black and yellows. Ighton Leigh now sit alone aloft the Division 3 table and with two games to play they look to have one hand on the trophy. Two wins from the final two games will see Long Preston promoted as runners up, if present form continues however a season with so much potential, for so long, could falter at the last. UP THE BLACK AND YELLOWS!!!!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale,C.Porter, Keane Attewell, J.Rodgers, J.Newhouse, N.Mulliner, K.Green(60mins), Kris Attewell, M.Snape, H.Bland, J.Marshall

Substitutes

B.Marshall(60mins)

Goals

M.Snape(1)

Man of the match

Kris Attewell

22 APR 2010

LONG PRESTON FC 1 - WADDINGTON FC RESERVES 6

DIVISION 3

Having only lost once at home this season and knowing 3 points would get them one hand on the Division 3 trophy the visit of Waddington FC Reserves was a crunch game. The recent lack of rain had meant the pitch had been baked hard.

The game could not have started any better for Long Preston, moving the ball across field Kris Attewell teed up Craig Porter to cross. His near post cross found an unmarked BLAND who flicked his header into the opposite corner of the goal on 1 minute.

Unfortunately in that first minute Long Preston played their best football of the game. Knowing the result was all important they subconsciously retreated when not in possession. This only served to invite Waddington on, and with the away team looking hungrier to win this game the lead could not last long.

On 25 mins Waddington were level. With every Long Preston player bar the increasingly isolated Bland back defending a corner it meant the visitors had chance to fill the box. The corner kick was not cleared and after a header had been stopped on the line Waddington were first to react and poke the ball over the line.

Rarely providing options for each other Long Preston could not get a foothold and were behind on 35 mins. Working a long throw down their left Waddington crossed, the ball was cleared but headed back in and it fell to a striker, on the turn he swept the ball past Dugdale and into the net.

The game slowed until half time as both teams seemed slightly shell-shocked by the turnaround in fortunes. The second half began as the first had ended. Waddington had the better of the possession but didn't trouble Dugdale. Both teams had dead ball situations around the oppositions goals but the lions share of the play was in the centre of the park.

Waddington, looking the more likely took the game in hand and notched another on 70 mins. A free kick on the right was swung in to the far post. Unmarked a Waddington player rose to head into the net.

This debilitated Long Preston and Waddington were to add three more before the games conclusion. On 80 mins a long throw on the Waddington left was headed away by Long Preston. The clearance was volleyed back into the box, where, as the ball bounced around a congested penalty area a Waddington player stabbed it past Dugdale.

Pressing forward to compound the misery Waddington scored again on 85 mins. Again the ball was worked up the left, crossed and not cleared. falling to a midfielder 20 yards out he struck well inside the right hand post.

The icing on the cake came on 88 mins. This time attacking down the right the ball was passed low into the area. The striker hit it quickly deceiving Dugdale, the ball squirmed under his body to cap a decent display by Waddington.

This was a major setback for the black and yellows. The crunch game against Ighton Leigh now carries even more weight. As both teams are expected to win their final two fixtures of the season, and points and games played remain level this is effectively the title decider. Long Prestons superior goal difference means a point could be good enough. Alternatively the season could collapse with three losses, should Ighten Leigh and Waddington win their remaining games Long Preston would fail in their promotion push. Its tight at the top, cross your fingers for the black and yellows!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, J.Rodgers, N.Mulliner(60mins), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, Kris Attewell, P.Mounsey(c), C.Stanford, H.Bland(80mins), J.Marshall(70mins)

Substitutes

K.Green(60mins), B.Marshall(80mins), Keane Attewell(70mins)

Goals

H.Bland(1)

Man of the match

L.Windle

17 APR 2010

BARNOLDSWICK BARONS RESERVES 1 - LONG PRESTON FC 10

DIVISION 3

Long Preston travelled to Colnes Holt House pitches to play bottom side Barnoldswick Barons FC Reserves. Without a win in 24 games, not even a draw and nearly 150 goals conceded, on paper this looked an easy victory for the top of the table Long Preston FC. The fact that Barnoldswick could not field a substitute clearly sapped their confidence even more.

Long Preston opened the scoring on 14 mins. Kris Attewell was bundled over in the box (his fellow players awarding him 9.2 out of 10 for his fall) and MOUNSEY placed the ball on the spot. At the whistle he drilled his kick with power straight down the middle and past the diving keeper.

Unable to regain or keep possession throughout the entirety of this tie Long Preston were two goal to the good on 17 mins. A goal kick was headed on by three Long Preston players. Good pressure from Keane Attewell on the defence meant they had to clear. To further their misery the clearance looped over the 'keeper and into the home net.

On 24 mins the ball Long Preston worked the ball up the left from midfielder to overlapping full-back. His ball inside was controlled on the chest by BLAND who  then slotted home at the near post. The goal prompted Barnoldswick to replace keeper with defender for the rest of the game.

From the kick off Barons gave the ball away cheaply and were quickly four behind. Mounsey played the ball right where a nice touch inside from Keane Attewell  found his older brother KRIS ATTEWELL. He took the ball on past his man and bearing down on goal he finished low to the near post.

Without any pressing of the football Barnoldswick left themselves at their opponents mercy and were lucky to be only 4-0 down at the break.

Green made an impact as a half time substitute on 51mins. showing good control he moved the ball up the flank to the penalty box and passed inside to BLAND, showing composure he killed the ball and passed it into the far corner as the keeper rushed out.

Barnoldswick were handed their only chance on 59mins via a penalty kick. A good turn, wide in the box drew a hasty challenge from Green and the referee pointed to the spot. Dugdales only moment of activity in the second half wasn't even that as he guessed the wrong way and a poor penalty passed him into the net.

64 minutes were on the clock when Long Preston extended the lead. A throw for the home side was cleared by the Away defence up to the strikers. BLAND flicked the ball on and was first to react, one-on-one he calmly finished past the keeper to seal his hat-trick.

MULLINER was next on the score sheet on 70mins. Running ahead of the ball he collected Josh Marshalls through pass and steadied himself to slot in at the near post from 15 yards.

He was to have in a hand in the next goal too. On 76mins he got to the bye-line on the right side of the goal and pulled the ball back where MOUNSEY hit his first time strike high into the net from about the penalty spot

The tireless running of GREEN was rewarded on 87mins. Bursting down the left he played a one-two with Bland and cut inside at the edge of the penalty box. Evading a tackle he hit a good low shot across the keeper and into the far corner.

It was left to WINDLE to take the score into double figures in injury time. He met a corner from Josh Marshall solidly and his header ricocheted in off the crossbar.

In summary a lot of goals for the black and yellows but not a test. With games on Thursday against third placed Waddington and Saturday against second place Ighton Leigh the test is yet to come. The destination of the Division 3 title could be decided this weekend but will it be tears of sadness or joy for the black and yellows?

Starting Line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, J.Rodgers, N.Mulliner, J.Newhouse, L.Windle, Keane Attewell(45mins), P.Mounsey(c), Kris Attewell(55mins), H.Bland, S.Rigby

Substitutes

K.Green(45mins), J.Marshall(45mins), B.Marshall(55mins)

Goals

P.Mounsey(2), H.Bland(3), Kris Attewell(1), N.Mulliner(1), K.Green(1), L.Windle(1)

Man of the match

L.Windle

10 APR 2010

IGHTON LEIGH RESERVES 3 - LONG PRESTON FC 2

DIVISION 3 LEAGUE CUP

Long Preston travelled to the far flung corner of the Craven league to play the long time division leaders in the division cup semi-final. The trip to Burnley the furthest they have travelled this season and they are to return in two weeks time for what could be the deciding game in the destination of the division 3 title. Could this be the first final for the recently revived club?

Kick off was taken with Long Preston battling the slope and the heat on a lovely day only two stone throws from Burnley FC's Turf Moor ground. It was the home side that dominated early. Being allowed time to pick passes in midfield they put strong pressure on Long Prestons back line. The pressure led to a number of squandered chances in open play and a plethora of corner kicks.

Against the run of play it was Long Preston who took the lead on 30 mins. A hefty clearance from the back was flicked on by Jack Bland in midfield. The header looped over the home sides back line and STANFORD found himself clear. With a touch he set himself and finished calmly at the near post past the onrushing keeper.

Keeping Ighton Leigh at bay was becoming harder and finding a cohesive passing game near impossible as the home side outworked the away. Rodgers made a brilliant clearance from the line as the black and yellows tried to hold the lead. A lead which was doubled in first half stoppage time. A free kick was won on the left in Long Prestons attacking third. Stanford flighted the free kick deep towards the far post where JACK BLAND rose above his marker to loop a header over the keeper into the far corner. That sent Long Preston to half time with a lucky 2-0 lead.

The second half was an extension of the first. Ighton Leigh were mostly on top. Long Preston worked hard at the back and anything aerial was headed away. When the ball was worked on the floor it was harder to deal with. Again not protecting their defenders the black and yellows made hard work for themselves and could only ride their luck for so long.

Ighton Leigh halved the lead on 51 mins. A throw in on the right was passed to the middle and then in behind the right side of Long Prestons defence. Beating the defender to the ball the attacker had time to compose before striking low at Dugdales near post.

Without finding the effective passing game that made the black and yellows so strong for most of the season they did come back into the game. Working harder they did not want to loose the lead, this was evident as players ran through their tiredness. Stanford had glorious chance to kill the game with 20 mins to go. Beating his man Kris Attewell fired in a low cross. Stanford unmarked stabbed at the ball with only the keeper to beat. Agonisingly he watched his and Long Prestons best second half chance pass wide of the post.

Seemingly keeping the opposition at bay and looking to close the game out on 80 mins the scores were level. Failing to bring the ball down in midfield Long Preston allowed the home side at their defence. Neither team could gain control just inside the penalty area and bobbling around the ball fell at an Ighton Leigh players feet. On the turn he swept the ball wide of Dugdale and into the net.

That impetus was carried through and Ighten Leigh looked in earnest for the winner. On 85 mins they had it. Almost a replica of the equaliser the ball was miss-controlled in midfield by Long Preston and passed forward to the Ighton Leigh strikers. The ball was not cleared and with his second touch the striker rifled the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.

Long Preston could not rally to equalise and the whistle blew. Unfortunately the better side had prevailed although a little more luck could have seen Long Preston to a cup final. Lessons are to be learnt for a fortnights time when the teams meet in the league. Up the black and yellows!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, J.Rodgers, P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, H.Bland, J.Bland, C.Stanford, M.Snape(70mins), Kris Attewell(65mins)

Substitutes

Keane Attewell(65mins), N.Mulliner, K.Green(70mins)

Goals

C.Stanford(1), J.Bland(1)

Man of the match

J.Bland

06 APR 2010

HORTON FC 1 - LONG PRESTON FC 2

DIVISION 3

Another evening game in gloomy, wet conditions meant this game was cut to two 40 minute halves. Once underway it was by no means the prettiest of games. Fielding a settled line up and pushing to return to winning ways the visitors kicked off.

Starting brighter it was Long Preston who took the attacking impetus. When the ball was passed from midfield it was often into channels, looking for the strikers to force the defending home side backwards. This early pressure was turned into a goal on 10 mins. A throw was won deep on the Long Preston left. The ball was headed away but not far. STANFORD waited for the ball to drop and volleyed in from just inside the penalty box.

Horton were taking a no-nonsense approach to this game. They defended strongly, occasionally crossing the line of fairness but the referee picked up on anything untoward. With the ball they were direct, and with Long Preston the more attacking side this style caused a handful of problems to the away team. Dugdale made smart stops to keep them at bay.

It was from a corner that Long Preston doubled their advantage. The ball was flicked towards goal by Kris Attewell, as all the defenders stood and watched the ball lob the keeper it rebounded off the crossbar. SNAPE had reacted quickest and side footed the ball home unmarked on 26 mins.

Fifteen minutes of the ball toing and froing between defences took the game to half time. 2 - 0 at the break and Long Preston having got their goals looked comfortable without playing well. The second half was to be a more frustrating period.

The home side seemed to return to the game with a point to prove. Without being pressed when in possession they were able to find the strikers more. This directness and freedom led to a change in the territorial standings, Horton now had the lions share.

Some resolute defending from Long Preston was required but unable to stop Horton scoring on 54 mins. Attacking down their left Horton cantered the ball. Long Preston failed to clear given a few chances and evading a challenge the forward got his shot away. The shot took a large deflection which completely wrong footed Dugdale and he could only watch the ball trickle in to the corner.

This set up a nervous remainder for both teams. Horton looked to push on and equalise, Long Preston became the counter-attacking team and three times were one-on-one with the Horton goalkeeper. Either dragging wide or seeing their efforts saved Long Preston must have thought this was not to be their day.

The game continued to ebb and flow as darkness was fast drawing in. The whistle went to some relieved cheers from the black and yellows. Another 3 points picked up, a hard shift put in and for the first time this season they sit alone aloft the league table. With only 5 games to play and still a game in hand on their title rivals it seems theirs to throw away.

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter(70mins), J.Rodgers, P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, Kris Attewell, C.Stanford, H.Bland, M.Snape, Keane Attewell(55mins)

Substitutes

J.Daley(70mins), N.Mulliner (55mins)

Goals

C.Stanford(1), M.Snape(1)

Man of the match

J.Newhouse

03 APR 2010

COLNE FC JUNIORS 3 - LONG PRESTON FC 0

DIVISION 3

Meeting for the second consecutive Saturday, this time in a league fixture, Long Preston travelled to Colne Juniors. From the outset the Colne players looked intent on avenging their defeat and elimination from the cup the previous week. It was to be. The Long Preston players heavy schedule had taken its toll, coupled with playing a young energetic side the black and yellows fell to their third defeat of the season.

Whilst not starting the game badly Long Preston were behind after just 10 minutes. A Colne corner kick was put behind for another. The second was headed in. The teasing cross brought Dugdale from his line but he could not gather through a crowd, the ball dropping to the left of the goal where the man on the post could not clear. 

Unusually Long Prestons spirit was not to be seen. The constant closing down of the ball by Colne meant Long Preston only found their passing game on a handful of occasions in the first half. Colne were to go to half time two goals to the good. A harmless clearance was left for his goalkeeper by Newhouse not noticing an attacker running on. The attacker beat Dugdale to the ball and finished calmly in first half stoppage time.

The second period was similar to the first. Colne pressing the ball well without possession and showing good speed, passing and movement with the ball. The strikers pulling into the channels created space in the middle where oncoming midfielders were seldom tracked.

On 70 minutes and with every man in a black and yellow shirt nearly dead on their feet the lead was stretched. A chipped ball over the re-arranged defence was not cleared and the attacker found himself in plenty of space to bear down on Dugdale, with time to look up he squared to a team mate for a tap in.

In summary Long Preston were convincingly beaten, the tiredness of every player was clear for all to see and in that state they could not handle the pace and movement of the opposition. In a week of four games, three wins and a loss isn't to disheartening mind. Up the black and yellows!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, J.Rodgers, P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, Kris Attewell, C.Stanford, H.Bland(70mins), M.Snape(80mins), K.Green(55mins)

Substitutes

Keane Attewell(55mins), N.Mulliner(70mins), B.Marshall(80mins)

Man of the match

S.Dugdale

01 APR 2010

COWLING FC RESERVES 1 - LONG PRESTON FC 5

DIVISION 3

The black and yellows travelled to Cowling hoping to start the bank holiday weekend with a win, and it was a win they got. The scoreline flattered the visitors but was one more step towards the title they crave.

Long Preston started the tie and looked to dominate their opponents from the off. Stanford whipped in an early corner kick which caused problems in the Cowling defence. Mounsey helped the ball on towards goal, a defender misjudged his clearance and scooped the ball into his own net.

Cowling re-grouped and looked to play through the visitors. Pressing and passing well they found the defence hard to break through. Too often moving the ball sideways they rarely tested Dugdale in the Long Preston goal. It was the away side who doubled the lead. A counter attack worked the ball to MOUNSEY on the edge of the area and the keeper could not stop his powerful drive into the top corner.

Shortly after the restart the ball was lost by Long Prestons midfield. Playing quickly and to feet the home side breezed through the defence and the striker calmly placed the ball under the keeper.

The visitors regained the two goal lead before the break. Newhouse took a long throw into the area which wasn't cleared. BLAND took advantage of the poor defending and turned the ball past the keeper.

When the sides returned for the second half Cowlings energy seemed to have been sapped. They could not keep the ball as they had done and dropped the pressure on Long Preston. With a touch more time on the ball Long Preston looked to kill the game off.

Creating chances it was KRIS ATTEWELL who extended the lead midway through the half. Chasing a through ball he took his strike early and it rifled past the keeper who hadn't enough time to set himself for the save.

MARSHALL was to hammer the final nail in the Cowling coffin. In stoppage time he tapped home a Stanford cross for his first goal of the season.

This was by no means vintage football from the black and yellows, strong defending and efficient converting of their few chances was the difference between the two teams. A game with potential to arrest the teams title ambitions had been put to bed, another win in the busy end of season period, another 3 points closer to silverware!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, J.Rodgers, P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, Kris Attewell, C.Stanford, H.Bland(70mins), M.Snape(80mins), K.Green(60mins)

Substitutes

Keane Attewell(70mins), J.Daley(60mins), B.Marshall(80mins)

Goals

Own Goal(1), P.Mounsey(1), H.Bland(1), Kris Attewell(1), B.Marshall(1)

Man of the match

C.Stanford

29 MAR 2010

LONG PRESTON FC 3 - SETTLE UNITED RESERVES 2

DIVISION 3

In gloomy and sodden conditions, owing to the fact that darkness would soon set in, the referee agreed with both teams the game would consist of two 35 minute halves. This being the second of Long Prestons punishing run of seven games in two weeks the players didn't seem to mind.

Again shifting personnel around due to absentees Long Preston did not start the brighter. After being on the back foot from the start they cracked only 5 mins after the kick off. A poor goal kick from Settle went through every player in the middle of the park. Ryan Preston was first to react to the ball in the space between defence and keeper, using his pace he found himself one-on-one with Dugdale and finished low at the near post.

The leveller was not far away mind. On 10 mins a free-kick near half-way on the left was cleared only to drop to STANFORD who volleyed high to the keepers left, the quality of strike leaving him no chance.

Both teams seemed to fancy the win now and both tried, mostly in vain, to combat the conditions and pass the ball. Neither teams commitment could be questioned either, some strong tackles went in and the slippery surface sometimes made them seem worse. The referee controlled the game well and for a local derby the match was played without any significant flashpoints.

It was Long Preston who gained the advantage on 32 mins. The ball was worked down their right and Daley played a through ball in the direction of the forwards. SNAPE evaded his marker with a touch and hit a low shot before the outcoming keeper could steady himself. The ball rifled across the keeper into the left corner.

To compound Settles misery, Long Preston stretched the scoreline again before half time. On 34 mins a clearance from Newhouse wasn't dealt with in Settles defensive centre. Sensing his chance BLAND out-muscled his opponent, steadied himself and hit a low, hard shot. The keeper got a hand to it but could not prevent the ball crossing the line. A great turnaround from half an hour before.

The second half could not live up to the excitement of the first. The heavy rain making running and passing difficult. The challenges kept flying in but neither team resorted to the 'hoof-ball' game that so often descends in those conditions. It did mean that chances were few, both teams were restricted to long range efforts. Stanford twice hit the post but the home sides territorial dominance didn't pay.

Settle were to set up a nervy conclusion when on 65 mins they pulled one back. A free kick on the right was headed from the Long Preston box but immediately returned. Thinking the danger had gone the defenders lost markers allowing time for a Settle midfielder time to compose himself and finish past Dugdale.

It was to prove only a consolation and a potential banana skin of a game, only two days after the last, had been avoided. The black and yellows seem to be picking up results without playing their best. It is often said the teams that win titles need to do this. The dream is still very much alive LPFC fans!

Starting line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, J.Rodgers, P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, Kris Attewell, J.Daley(60mins), H.Bland, M.Snape, K.Green

Substitutes

L.Windle(55mins), Keane Attewell(60mins), B.Marshall(65mins)

Goals

C.Stanford(1), M.Snape(1), H.Bland(1)

Man Of The Match

C.Stanford

27 MAR 2010

LONG PRESTON FC 3 - COLNE FC JUNIORS 1

DIVISION 3 LEAGUE CUP

The quarter final of the division 3 cup gave Long Preston chance to re-find the winning form missing in recent weeks. The knockout nature of the game meant both teams started the game nervously. The first half was especially tight, neither team able to gain real possession. The Lancashire sides young legs pressed the ball efficiently, stifling the creativity of the Yorkshiremen.

Colne had more time to pick their passes as Long Prestons closing down couldn't match that of their opponents. A resolute back line from Long Preston cleared everything that came their way in the air but found the pace of the attackers hard to deal with when the ball was played on the deck. Colne did have chances in the first half but rarely troubled Dugdale, often resorting to long range shots. The home side only pressured intermittently from corners and long throws.

The match came to life after the break. Long Preston now kicking with the strengthening wind looked to be more direct with play, trying to bring their front men into the game. They had their chance pretty soon too. Newhouse was grounded in the area by Colnes keeper, going down theatrically he gave the referee a decision to make. A penalty was justly awarded. Stanford placed the ball but saw his strike ricochet off the crossbar and over the goal.

Buoyed by the chance Long Preston became more decisive and gradually increased their influence on the game. A long throw from Stanford on the Long Preston right reached the six yard box where MOUNSEY grasped his chance on 55 mins. Heading the ball down and into the corner he left the keeper little chance to make a save.

Looking to bounce back immediately Colne rose their game and on 68 mins had the scores level. A lofted through pass over the Long Preston back line was controlled with the arm, the referee unsighted, he advanced upon the Long Preston goal and calmly finished past Dugdale as he came out to meet the attacker.

Long Preston regained the lead on 71 mins. Newhouse played another lofted ball over the defence which saw STANFORD in behind. In the right channel and 20 yards from goal he audaciously volleyed the ball over the stranded keeper and into the far corner of the goal.

That goal sapped the impetus from Colne and the lead was extended on 74 mins. The ball was worked down the Long Preston left. Mounsey brought the ball inside and fired from distance. Unable to hold the dipping shot the keeper parried the ball back to STANFORD who reacted first and slotted home.

Not needing to score any more, Long Preston looked to protect their back four and hold on to the lead. Colne never found a way back in. Dugdale made a fine save from a free kick but Colne were only able to get shots away from range which didn't trouble the keeper.

The black and yellows overcame their nerves to record a win, not their best football but a good win against a side in good form. An away trip to league leaders Ighten Leigh awaits in the semi-final. With 6 games in two weeks to come hopefully this result can be the start of a winning run.

Starting Line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, S.Rigby(75mins), P.Mounsey(c), Keane Attewell(55mins), L.Windle, C.Stanford, J.Newhouse, M.Snape(80mins), K.Green

Substitutes

J.Daley(55mins), K.North(75mins), B.Marshall(80mins)

Goals

P.Mounsey(1), C.Stanford(2)

Man Of The Match

L.Windle

20 MAR 2010

GARGRAVE AFC 6 - LONG PRESTON 0

MORRISON CUP

Long Preston travelled to the thrice postponed fixture away at higher ranked Gargrave FC. The eventual winners would book a long trip to either Dent or Sedbergh in the next round. Once the pitch had been cleared of standing water the game kicked off a shade before 2pm.

The home side didn't take long to make their early pressure tell. On 9 minutes a shot was curled into the top corner from 20 yards after Gargrave worked the ball down the right. No keeper in the land could have stopped the looping effort.

13 minutes had gone when Gargrave doubled the advantage. A corner on the right was swung in to the near post area, a Gargrave player was first to the ball, running across the box towards the ball his flicked header sailed into the near post top corner. The same corner as found before, again with pinpoint accuracy.

Long Preston did settle and battled hard to regain possession of the football. Occasionally nice passing exchanges in the centre released wide men into space but Gargraves solid defending resulted in no more than corner kicks. Gargrave did them selves come close to extending the lead on a handful of occasions. Narrowly shooting wide or over, or bringing saves from Dugdale in the Long Preston goal their interplay between the forwards caused problems all day long.

What spirit and desire Long Preston summoned in the first half could not be maintained. The energy sapping pitch and performance of the home side quickly shot the morale of the away. Trying to work the ball forward, it rarely stuck and Gargrave soon took advantage.

58 minutes were on the clock as Gargrave finally took control of the game and put it to bed. Attacking down the right, the ball was crossed over and cleared only for the ball to be returned to Gargrave and stroked into the corner for 3-0.

Two goals in under a minute crippled the away side on 68 minutes. Another right sided cross was cleared, Gargrave were again first to the ball and this time the ball was lobbed over the keeper and outcoming defenders. From the kick off the ball was cheaply given away by Long Preston, and the right side was Gargraves way in, rounding the full back the winger pulled back for a first time shot. Whilst Dugdale parried he was powerless to stop the rebound being finished off.

The game had one goal left in it, by this time the ragged defending of Long Preston was trying in vain to rescue some pride. The point of attack again being the right side, the cross was not cleared this time and once it had evaded everyone in the box it was struck well across the goal and into the far corner.

A disappointing day for the black and yellows but not a shocking result considering the conditions, strength of opposition and team weakened by absentees. The spirit was right but unfortunately so was the result.

Starting Line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, K.North(45mins), P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, J.Rodgers, J.Marshall(60mins), H.Bland, C.Stanford, M.Snape, Keane Attewell(45mins)

Substitutes

K.Green(45mins), S.Rigby(45mins), B.Marshall(60mins)

No Man of the match award for Morrison Cup games

6 MAR 2010

LONG PRESTON FC 2 - EARBY TOWN RESERVES 4

Long Preston slipped to their second league defeat of the season and their first since the first away game of the season against Waddington.

Earby were immediately onto the front foot, working the ball forward they took a throw-in deep on the long Preston right. The ball was not cleared, was flicked on and headed home from close range by an unmarked attacker. Whilst Long Preston did see a fair proportion of the ball in the following minutes they could not make it count, intermittent pressure was all that was applied as the home teams usual decent passing was sadly lacking.

The visitors were further ahead on 25 mins, a Long Preston corner was cleared and Earby looked to attack quickly. A good pass through the high back line left the striker one on one. Showing composure he finished over the onrushing keeper from 20 yards.

Almost following the script of the previous game Long Preston became a little more decisive, an individual effort from RODGERS halved the deficit only two minutes later. Controlling the ball he evaded a defender and ran direct to goal, holding off a challenge he finished low to the left.

Within two more minutes the teams were level. After an Earby corner the pall was punted from the goalkeeper. STANFORD cleverly rolled his marker and knocked the ball past the covering defender. Beating him for pace he then rounded the keeper and kept his cool to finish from a narrowing angle.

Level at the break but with neither team playing exceptionally well this one could have gone either way. It proved to be the counter attacking game of the Lancashire team that won over. 48 mins on the clock and Earby won a throw on the right. The winger got behind the defence and pulled the ball back from the bye-line. A sliding attacker knocked home from close range.

After regaining the lead Earby seemed content to sit off and afforded Long Preston more possession of the ball. Still failing to get their passing football to flow, lack of passing options being the main factor, Long Preston did make a valiant attempt to rescue the game. A free-kick from Stanford was saved well and a close range header from Snape went narrowly over.

The game at this point was akin to a boxer on the ropes but his opponent rarely landing a scoring blow. It was to be the sucker punch again that finished the tie. With only two minutes to go an Earby counter attack from a Long Preston corner again meant the striker was allowed to bear down on the goalkeeper, he neatly finished into the corner.

After a brilliant run of league wins, this defeat was hard to take for the frustrated men in black and yellow. A quick return to good football and good results is of great importance to secure the league title.

Starting Line-up

S.Dugdale, C.Porter, N.Mulliner(50mins), P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, J.Daley(70mins), Kris Attewell, C.Stanford, M.Snape(80mins), J.Rodgers

Substitutes

H.Bland(50mins), B.Marshall(80mins), Keane Attewell(70mins)

Goals

C.Stanford(1), J.Rodgers(1)

Man of the match

L.Windle

27 FEB 2010

SETTLE UNITED RESERVES 3 - LONG PRESTON FC 6

The local derby match, dubbed 'El Classico' by both teams fans (in reference to the Barcelona vs. Real Madrid games) got underway after a minutes silence in memory of former local player Dave Dean. The pressure was on and settle definitely handled it better at the start. Long Preston were trying to play but their passing was initially poor and Settle allowing Long Preston on, were finding lots of space counter attacking. After hitting the bar early it took the until just before the half hour to register a goal. A corner whipped in to the near post was flicked to the far where an unmarked player stooped to head home. This set back seemed to compound Long Prestons problems, again stretched they were hit on the counter. An attack down the right led to an on rushing midfielder latching on to a through pass to finish one on one with the keeper.

Just before the break Long Preston pulled one back. A long throw into the area wasn't cleared and was allowed to bounce, JACK BLAND powered home a half-volley from 8 yards. The strike just before half time was to have a galvanising effect on the Long Preston team. The second half football was much more promising from the away side although they did fall further behind on 55 mins. A free kick was given on the edge of the Long Preston box and coolly dispatched low into the corner to the keepers side.

That goal was the turning point. Straight from the kick off the ball was worked forward and after side stepping a couple of challenges STANFORD curled a shot into the bottom right corner of the goal. STANFORD was to score the leveller on 60mins. His corner, curling towards the near top corner skimmed of a defenders head and beat the keeper stuck in traffic on his line.

Long Prestons decisive tackling led to pressure down the right flank, the ball being crossed for a tap in at the far post. KEANE ATTEWELL applied the finish and put Long Preston ahead for the first time in the match. The game had changed dramatically and Settle could not get the ball forward quickly anymore. SNAPE added the fifth on 75mins, again right sided pressure led to the ball being played into the box. After a scramble Snape applied a scruffy but decisive finish from point blank range.

The best was saved for last, Long Preston attacking down the left crossed, the ball was cleared to the right where, from 20 yards out veteran NORTH had time to control with his chest and sent a lobbed half volley over the keeper into the far top corner.

Bragging rights to the villagers before the townies come seeking revenge in the reverse fixture towards the end of the season.

Starting Line-up

S.Dugdale, N.Mulliner, Craig Porter(70mins), P.Mounsey(c), J.Newhouse, L.Windle, Kris Attewell, J.Bland, C.Stanford, M.Snape(75mins), Keane Attewell(80mins)

Substitutes

K.North(70mins), B.Marshall(75mins), J.Daley(80mins)

Goals

J.Bland (1), C.Stanford (2), M.Snape (1), Keane Attewell (1), K.North (1)

Man of the match

J.Bland

COPYRIGHT LONG PRESTON FC 2010

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