Goole AFC travelled to Burscough yesterday for their opening league fixture but were without Chris Ovington (suspended), Tommy Agus (holiday), Martin Pembleton (injured) and Andy Jackson (injured), manager John Reed boosted hs squad with the late signings of Brett Lucas and Nathan Hay.

For the first 40 minutes Goole AFC appeared to be sticking to the game plan, playing the ball to feet and it seemed to be working with both sides creating chances.

Burscough were finding plenty of the ball but the Goole defence were standing firm, Goole AFC had a penalty appeal dismissed when Dan Cunningham appeared to be pushed over in the Burscough box but the referee waved play on.

Then on 41 minutes a ball into the Goole box saw a Burscough striker and Goole goalkeeper Scott Hartley go for the same high ball and the Burscough forward headed home from inside the box.

The goal was a shock and Scott Hartley looked nervous, straight from the second half kick-off a ball through the middle of the defence, Scott Hartley hesitated and the ball was in the back of the net again.

Goole AFC from this point started with the long ball tactics, which failed against a more physical Burscough side, Scott Hartley then made a number of fine saves in the second half before Burscough scored their third, which was a fine effort before Dan Cunningham pulled a goal back in the final minute.

Team:

Scott Hartley, Dan Coupland, Jack Cross, Sam Liversidge, Mark McDonagh, Greg Moseley (Brett Lucas), Derry Robson (Mark Baggaley), Nathan Hay, Dan Cunningham, Karl Cunningham (Tim Council), David Taylor.

Subs (Not Used):

Danny Wright, Ryan Pugh