Match Preview: Longridge Town (A)

AFC Fylde continue their pre-season schedule with a visit to Longridge Town at the Recycling Lives Ground tonight, kick-off 7pm.

Chris Beech’s Coasters return to action having won their first two friendlies – away at Lancaster City before an impressive 3-1 triumph over neighbours Blackpool at Mill Farm on Friday night.

Jon Ustabasi, Adam Long and Nick Haughton all scored in the Coasters’ superb win against the Seasiders. 

Awaiting Fylde are Longridge, who compete in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

Longridge have been regular pre-season opponents for AFC Fylde in previous campaigns – with the Coasters winning 4-1 on their last visit in July 2023.

The Manager: Lee Ashcroft

Longridge are managed by former Preston North End favourite Lee Ashcroft.

Born in Preston, Ashcroft came through the youth set-up at his hometown club, turning professional as North End won promotion from the Fourth Division in 1986/87.

During his time at Preston, Ashcroft was capped at England U21 level in May 1992 against Hungary in a 2-2 draw in Budapest. 

Winger Ashcroft would go onto make over 100 appearances for the Deepdale outfit during six-years in North End colours before moving to West Bromwich Albion in August 1993 for £250,000.

He was a regular member of Albion’s squad in the First Division, featuring in 111 games for the Baggies.

After spending time on loan at Notts County and a return to Preston, Ashcroft signed permanently for North End in November 1996 in a £150,000 deal.

Over the next two seasons, he made 69 appearances for Preston in the Second Division prior to becoming Grimsby Town’s club-record signing for £500,000 in August 1998.

Ashcroft spent two-years on the Lincolnshire coast, scoring 17 goals in 69 appearances for the Mariners.

He then signed with Wigan Athletic, who he signed for in a £350,000 transfer in August 2000 as the Latics competed in the Second Division, helping them to the play-offs in his first campaign in blue and white.

Ashcroft’s later career featured spells with Port Vale, Southport and Chorley before he retired after making 485 appearances in the game.

He moved into management in 2006, spending six-years in charge of Kendal Town before moving onto Northwich Victoria.

Lee would then become manager of Longridge, leading the club to back-to-back promotions from the West Lancashire League and North West Counties Division One North in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Tickets:

Coasters’ supporters can pay on the gate at The Recycling Lives Ground.

ADMISSION PRICES AS FOLLOWED:

Adults: £5

U16s: FREE

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