Longridge Town 0 v 3 Vauxhall Motors
NWCL Macron Cup 2nd Rd
Despite making five changes from the two previous games, the quality of Mick McGraa’s squad shone through as they overcame Premier Division hotshots Longridge Town on Saturday, for their ninth straight victory of which seven have been on the road!
The Motormen wasted no time stamping their authority on the tie, netting after just two minutes. The home right back lost his footing and in stepped Danny Cross to fire a centre across goal for Joe Brandon to finish off just beyond the far post.
Longridge had their best chance to equalise on 17 minutes when Motors, the author of their own making, almost presented a goal to the hosts but their effort was cleared off the line. And five minutes later, the visitors were celebrating again with a second goal.
Brandon pounced on a loose pass, chesting the ball down before putting Haydn Cooper through in the inside right channel and he finished in style from 12 yards.
The scoreline then stayed at 2-0 well into an even second half but the next goal was going to be crucial and on 66 minutes, it was Vauxhall who netted an all-important third to put the tie beyond their hosts. Cross was again the provider, playing a ball up to Ryan Cox who instinctively lobbed the ball over the stranded home keeper Dovey from the edge of the area.
And it might have been an even bigger score but for two great saves to deny the teasing substitute Michael Burkey, who had the home defence back tracking with his trickery.
Vauxhall: Edgar, Gardner, Drummond, Carlin, Mitchell, Willingham (Heath 67), Brandon (Burkey 72), Rule, Cox , Cooper, Cross(Noon 75). Subs not used: Scarisbrick & Crump.
This coming Saturday the Motormen are back in league action when they face an awkward looking game at Wythenshawe Amateurs.