SOCCER: Unveiling their new colours and two new signings in Southworth and man-of-the-match Steve Green, Ribchester made a great start to the season with a 4-1 victory over East Lancashire rivals Barnoldswick PR in Division Two of the East Lancashire League.

Both teams tried to play attractive football and chances were created at both ends. Barnoldswick almost drew first blood when Ribchester failed to clear a corner and an almighty scramble ensued with keeper Cookson and defenders Spall and Southworth combining to block goalbound efforts to keep the visitors at bay. Ribchester then took the lead when good work from Anthony and Hollingworth stretched the Barlick defence. The loose ball was picked up by Parkinson who confidently slotted home.

The second half started with Ribchester gifting the equaliser to the visitors.

A long ball down the centre caught the defence in two minds and left Cookson with little chance against the advancing centre forward from Barnoldswick.

The home team then had to rely on a superb save from Cookson to keep them on level terms, but they managed to snatch the lead. Spall's cleverly worked free-kick was lifted over the keeper and into an empty net by Hollingworth.

A third soon followed, Hollingworth this time flicking on Spall's free kick for Talbot to score from close range.

Ribchester's Green was dominating the midfield and a fourth was carved out when Anthony unselfishly squared the ball to Hollingworth who made no mistake in grabbing his second.

On Saturday Ribchester make the short trip to take on Read United.

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