On Saturday Howle Hill returned to action after missing a week due to the cold weather when they travelled to Longhope. Before the game Hill were seven points behind second placed Longhope so they knew a win was vital if they wanted to retain any hope of promotion. The only change to the starting XI was Matty Davies coming in to replace George Miles at the heart of the defence.

Longhope started the game well and took control of the opening 15 minutes creating chances which keeper Cooke and the other defenders Ryan Stacey, Rob McAfee and Joe Griffiths did well to keep the score level. Hill created a chance for Bobby Hatch but his left foot shot was saved at the near post. Hill then got on top of the home team and a long throw from Andy Francis was flicked on by Tommy Shotton into the path of Lee Edwards who struck the ball on the volley with the outside of his left boot into the bottom corner to give the Hill the lead.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.