SOCCER: Ribchester had to dig deep and come from two goals behind to secure their second successive win of the season away to Read United.

It was Read who started the game with much more commitment and determination and they soon took the lead when Ribchester's midfield backed off to allow their attacker a free strike at goal to open the scoring.

The home side then took full advantage of the visitor' inability to change gear and they deservedly increased their lead with a well-rehearsed free kick.

With little improvement in their performance, Ribchester were then thrown a lifeline, which they seized with both hands. A deep ball caused a scramble in Read's penalty area and when Hollingworth's cheeky back-heel set up Green the striker made no mistake from close in. After strong words at half time, Ribchester took the game to Read and did not have to wait long before equalising. A defence splitting through ball from Hollingworth was collected by Green who rode one tackle, breezed past the keeper and coolly fired into the open net. Ribchester's marauding left back Southworth then helped himself to two poacher's goals in quick succession. He was the first to react when a fierce volley from Lofthouse cannoned off the post, then neatly headed home when Marsden's corner was returned across the face of the goal by Clayton.

The visitors were then allowed to coast to victory, but there was still time for Hollingworth to make his mark with two stunning goals from 25 yards, both strikes flying into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.

Man of the match was A Hollingworth.

Ribchester's next game is at home to league newcomers Calderstones on Saturday.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.