The opening day of the West Lancashire League season, and a Division Two fixture between two newcomers to the league at Ladybridge's Tempest Road ground.
The hosts have a well established set up of junior teams, but have a made a big step up for their senior team after finishing last season in third place in Division Three of the Lancashire Amateur League. They have obviously had a busy season providing the necessary facilities at their ground.
Two junior sized pitches have been transformed into one full size pitch, which allows for a large playing area, and what must be the largest technical area I have ever seen in front of the dug outs.
The visitors today are Ambleside United, making the move up after three successive Westmorland League titles, they must expect to be amongst the favourites in this league.
Although Nathan Monson goes close with an early chance for Ladybridge, Ambleside do make the brighter start, a Martin Grundy strike being ruled out for offside, and Jamie Parkinson forcing this spectacular goal line clearance from Paul Hesford.
Ambleside do take a 30th minute lead as an inswinging Michael Yates cross deceives the home keeper, and they are firmly in control just before the interval as Jamie Parkinson takes advantage of some hesitant defending to make it 2-0.
The ground stands on relatively high ground, giving views of the surrounding countryside.
The distinctively shaped floodlights of Bolton Wanderers ground are visible in the distance.
Ambleside return to the attack in the second half, and their third goal arrives on the hour mark, Jamie Parkinson powering home this header from Michael Barron's corner in front of the clubhouse building.
The game attracted a good turnout amongst the north west groundhopping fraternity, and they had one more goal to enjoy, Michael Barron's shot wrapping up Ambleside's 4-0 victory.
