SIX FROM SIX FOR BORO

Bacup Borough have made the perfect start to their North West Counties League Division One North campaign, recording back-to-back victories over Ashton Town and Maine Road to collect six points from their opening two fixtures.

Borough's opening day victory was built on a solid defensive foundation and some outstanding attacking football.

The visitors started brightly and, inside the opening ten minutes, goalkeeper Billy Blake was called into action on several occasions, producing a string of top-class saves to keep Ashton Town at bay and give his side the platform to settle into the game.

The breakthrough arrived on 22 minutes courtesy of an outstanding individual goal from Aiden Lancaster. Picking up possession on the right-hand side, Lancaster went on a determined run, weaving his way past three Ashton defenders before firing a low effort through a crowded penalty area and into the bottom left-hand corner to give Borough a deserved lead.

Aiden Lancaster celebrates his opening goal with Connor Morris

Borough doubled their advantage directly from a corner. Ben Thompson's left-footed delivery curled dangerously into the six-yard box, where the swirling wind caused problems for Ashton goalkeeper Flynn Proctor. Unable to judge the flight of the ball, the goalkeeper could only watch as it crossed the line to make it 2-0.

Playing with confidence and intensity, Borough were now firmly in control, with every player contributing to an excellent team performance.

The best moment of the afternoon arrived on 36 minutes. Following good work by Brady Boardman, Connor Morris collected the ball around 25 yards from goal on the left-hand side before unleashing a magnificent strike that flew into the top right-hand corner. Morris connected perfectly with the effort, leaving Proctor with absolutely no chance and sending the home supporters into celebration as Borough took a commanding 3-0 lead into half-time.

Connor Morris lets fly from 25 yards out

Ashton Town attempted to force their way back into the contest after the interval, using direct balls into the penalty area, but Joey Fallon and Paul Sholabi were resolute at the heart of the defence, dealing comfortably with everything that came their way.

Manager Brent Peters was able to introduce fresh legs, handing league debuts to new signings Jamie Luker and Charlie Cowin as Borough comfortably saw out an impressive 3-0 victory.

Two days later Borough travelled to Maine Road looking to build on their excellent opening day success.

Brent Peters made several changes to his starting eleven. Ben Thompson was rested on the bench, Aiden Lancaster missed out with a thigh strain, while Josh Walne came into the side in place of Alex Mellor.

The opening 45 minutes proved to be a closely fought affair. Maine Road looked particularly dangerous down

both flanks, with Mamudu Touray and Siraj Hussain causing problems through their pace and trickery. Borough also found it difficult to contain the hosts through the middle of the pitch, but once again Billy Blake produced a superb save just before half-time to ensure the sides went into the interval level.

The second half was a completely different story.

Borough took the lead on 51 minutes when captain Joey Fallon found himself completely unmarked at the back post to head home an excellent delivery from Josh Walne.

Joey Fallon celebrates in delight after heading Borough into the lead

Just nine minutes later Borough doubled their advantage. Connor Morris and Brady Boardman combined well to create the opportunity before the ball broke kindly to Walne on the edge of the penalty area. The midfielder showed great composure, guiding a right-footed effort into the top left-hand corner to make it 2-0.

Josh Walne scored Borough's second goal with a composed finish from 20 yards out

Maine Road pulled a goal back on 89 minutes through Mason Beard and suddenly Borough found themselves under intense late pressure.

However, Brent Peters' side responded in perfect fashion. Kaiden Barlow timed his run brilliantly to beat the offside trap before showing outstanding composure to calmly side-foot the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper and restore Borough's two-goal advantage.

Kaiden Barlow wheels away after securing the win

Although Maine Road managed to score again deep into stoppage time, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Borough secured a deserved 3-2 victory.

Six points from six, six goals scored and two impressive team performances represent the ideal start to the new campaign. With confidence growing throughout the squad and contributions coming from all areas of the pitch, Brent Peters' side have laid down an early marker as they look forward to the challenge of Ashville FC on Saturday. 

After the win at Maine Road I managed to get a few words from the Borough manager.

“Six points from our opening two games is exactly what we wanted, " said Peters. 

“Against Ashton Town we had to weather an early spell of pressure, and Billy Blake made some excellent saves to keep us in the game. Sometimes those moments are just as important as scoring goals because they give everyone confidence. Once we settled down, I thought we played some excellent football. Our movement, energy and commitment were first class, and the quality of the goals reflected that. Connor Morris' strike was as good a goal as you'll see at this level.

Brent Peters has been impressed by the attitude of his players

“The trip to Maine Road tonight was always going to be a different type of game. They made it very difficult for us in the first half and asked plenty of questions, particularly out wide. I thought we had to dig in, stay organised and remain patient. At half-time we spoke about being braver in possession and getting ourselves higher up the pitch, and the response from the players was excellent.

“Joey Fallon led by example with his goal, Josh Walne came into the side and produced an outstanding performance, and when Maine Road put us under pressure late on, Kaiden Barlow showed great composure to score what proved to be a vital goal. Those are the moments that win football matches.

“What has pleased me most over the two games has been the team spirit. Everyone has played their part, whether they've started the game or come off the bench. We've already used a number of players and every one of them has contributed positively. That's exactly what you need over a long season.

“It's important that we keep our feet firmly on the ground. We've made a good start, but it's only two games. There is still a long way to go and we know there will be tougher tests coming up over the season. The standards we've set over these opening matches now have to become the minimum expectation every time the lads go out there.

“Finally, I'd like to thank our supporters. Their backing, both home and away, has been fantastic and it really does make a difference to the players.”

Borough now face Ashville FC at the Brian Boys Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm