Report from George Clandon

Burscough Richmond travelled the short distance to Bankfield Lane to meet Southport Hesketh in the first ever game at the opponents new ground.

And the pitch was in perfect condition as Richmond kicked off on the last of the August Tuesday night games.

The away side – despite a depleted team - looked comfortable in the early part of the game, with some impressive play, Jordan Lorde going close after a superb run and cross from the right sided midfielder Matty Mason. His effort appeared to strike the arm of the Southport defender, but no penalty was given after appeals.

Meanwhile, a long 30 yarder from Lee Morton totally confused Hesketh keeper Liam Buckley who dashed from his line somewhat hastily to punch at the looming high ball - unfortunately the keeper didn't get anywhere near the pass, which the Richmond striker Lorde was quick to seize onto, heading the ball up and over the oncoming keeper on 17 minutes to open the scoring.

Hesketh upped their game gaining lots of possession midway through the first half, but it was the Burscough side that looked the most dangerous in and around the opposition penalty box.

But three successive Burscough corner kicks could not be capitalised on in 35 minutes, a speculative effort drifting high and wide from Lorde.

Richmond’s new goalkeeper Mike Lowe was brought into action on 40 minutes making a double save, the big keeper receiving an injuring with his heroics. In time added on Matt Mason brought a good save from the Hesketh keeper Buckley, in turn the hosts had an effort just clearing the Richmond cross bar.

Southport restarted the game with the light fading rapidly, and with the home side pressing for the equaliser after the restart, Lowe was once again forced into action, saving with his feet this time, - and a minute or two later the hosts found the back of the net, the lack of height in the Richmond defence probably not helping in conceding the goal by Brad Shearwood around the 50 minute mark from a corner kick.

It was to Richmond’s credit that Matty Mason kept the home side thinking about the away side’s counter attack when the midfielder lashed the ball inches wide of the post from the edge of the area a few minutes later.

Hesketh at this stage of game were starting to dominate the game, Lowe definitely the busier of the two keepers.

The visitors kept battling though, Lee Morton - Richmond’s Mr. Utility Man - having an outstanding game in central defence, gaining man of the match for his efforts, along with captain Lee McNabb, but the players had to shuffle around and to their credit played very well.

Richmond absorbed the pressure and had a legitimate penalty shout around the 70 minute mark, the referee having a long consultation with his assistant, then ruling out the appeal - certain people must realise that once the referee has made his mind up, it’s senseless to be excessively vitriolic with any protests...

The oncoming darkness was making visibility difficult and was compounded by drizzly rain; late in the game a well struck free kick by Jordan Lorde had Buckley having to be at his best to force the striker’s venomous shot over his bar.

Richmond now have eight points from six games winning two, drawing two and losing two - getting a settled side is the key to continuity and confidence which will come in the coming months.