Beckwithshaw 0

Burley Trojans 2

A depleted Trojans' side emerged victorious from their tough looking trip to title contenders Beckwithshaw.

Centre-half Stuart Dibb struck twice within five minutes deep in the second-half to seal the points and make it three wins on the bounce for Trojans.

Missing centre-forward Chris Connolly and losing midfielders Nick Quaife and Dave McKain during the game through injury it was a credit to Trojans that they held their own against a robust Beckwithshaw side whose own title aspirations have taken a severe jolt with three defeats in five games.

The home side dominated the first-half although it was Trojans who posed more of a threat in front of goal.

Chris Hargreaves was forced to pull off a tumbling save and then Lofthouse cleared off the line. Ramshaw was cautioned for his second reckless tackle on Goodison and the home side then survived a clear penalty appeal when Goodison was impeded.

Trojans' patient approach almost paid dividends as they began to find space and Lofthouse forced 'keeper Jacks into a save and then Quaife fired narrowly wide.

The much vaunted Beckwithshaw strike force was well shackled and centre-half Kieren Hanogue picked up a deserved match point for his composed display as Trojans made it three consecutive clean sheets.

With Quaife departing at half-time Beckwithshaw continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession but Hargreaves was never put under any real pressure. Player manager Chris Worts, substituting for Quaife, was cautioned for a late challenge as Trojans dug in with a point looking their best hope.

Stuart Copley went close when he headed over and then turned provider for Goodison's volley which was just too high.

With 20 minutes remaining Dibb, whose downward header was saved by Jacks, rose unchallenged at the far post to power Lofthouse's pin-point corner into the net.

The home side were stunned and seemed unable to cope, resorting to some strongarm tactics which saw Ramshaw red carded.

Dibb capitalised by adding a decisive second when he nodded in a Lofthouse free-kick to send Trojans home happy.

After a shaky start Trojans have steadied the ship and now sit on the shoulder of the early season pace setters but have a tough looking September schedule ahead of them.

l On Saturday Trojans travel to league leaders Kirkby Malzeard, kick-off 3pm. Players meet at the Red Lion at 1pm.