West Lancashire League: Garstang lose out in derby as Slyne's wait for action goes on

Lady luck didn't shine on Garstang as they lost 4-1 in their action-packed local derby at Longridge Town on Saturday.
Longridge and Garstang battle for the ball on Saturday. Picture: Neil CrossLongridge and Garstang battle for the ball on Saturday. Picture: Neil Cross
Longridge and Garstang battle for the ball on Saturday. Picture: Neil Cross

All the goals came in the second half with man of the match Brad Carsley bagging all four of the hosts’ goals with Tom Graham on target late on for the Riversiders.

Former Lancaster City striker Matty Poole was the first to go close for Garstang but was denied by a last-ditch Sam Marsh tackle.

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Longridge then took control with Carsley heading just over before Alex O’Rourke hit a post and Kyle Lewis had to hack clear a goalmouth scramble.

The chances kept coming with Dan Curwen producing an acrobatic save to deny Ash Ball.

Despite the glut of chances Poole had the best chance of the half but having beaten Longridge ‘keeper Matt Hind he saw his shot come back off the inside of the post.

The hosts went ahead with the first attack of the second half with Carsley picking up a misplaced and racing in on goal, colliding with an on-rushing Curwen as the ‘keeper claim to ball, before slotting the ball into the empty net.

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Garstang protested a free-kick should have been awarded but were soon two behind with Carsley profiting on a miscued Curwen clearance to score.

The Riversiders kept plugging away and should have reduced the arrears shortly before the hour mark but Poole could only fire wide from six yards after a weaving run from Matt Bell.

The game was all but over however 20 minutes from time with Curwen robbed of possession by Carsley before bringing down the striker with the goalkeeper shown a red card.

Stand-in goalkeeper Chris Anderson had no chance as Carsley converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick.

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Garstang again felt hard done by when Graham appeared to be brought down by Hind in the area but the substitute did reduce the arrears four minutes from time, firing home from eight yards after Bell and Gary Louth had worked a short corner.

Star man Carsley had the final say in stoppage time as he waltzed through the visitors’ defence and struck a shot from the edge of the box which went in off the post.

Garstang, seventh in the table, are next due to host Blackpool Wren Rovers, this Saturday, January 30.

Slyne-with-Hest’s wait for West Lancashire Premier Division action goes on.

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The Bottomdale Road side have now not played since November 28 after their game at Southport Hesketh on Saturday fell victim to the recent wet weather.

Ian Roe’s side will be keeping a close eye on the forecast with a game trip to Lostock St Gerards pencilled in for Saturday.

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