Report and photo by George Clandon

Richmond could have done with a result against the Preston side, after unluckily losing 2 -1 at Turton in the last league game.

They have good players who just need to adapt to the higher standard of play in West Lancashire Premier league; the second half showed we can match a seasoned side like Amateurs, albeit conceding two goals.

Richmond started the game on a sunny but windy day, the pitch looking in pristine condition for the two sides.

The away side showing the early initiative in the first 15 minutes of the game with Ash Disley and the other Richmond defenders having to be on their mettle to stay off the Fulwood pressure.

The home team did force a corner kick at that part of the match, after good build up play by the home side.

The kick taken by midfielder Ryan Giller - a dangerous looking corner - bouncing off the top of cross bar and out of play.

A diagonal right side long ball from defender Lee Morton had the Fulwood keeper Roccia scrambling to collect the cross with midfielder Ian McKinty lunging for the ball. McKinty was flattened by the much larger goalkeeper and lay prostrate for several minutes after the collision, the referee did not even consider a foul.

Thirty minutes and Fulwood found the back of the Richmond net, the goal was fortunately disallowed because of an infringement while it was being taken.

The visitors had lots of possession and going close on several occasions up till the end of the half.

On resumption of play, Richmond made substitutions - Anthony Murt and Pete Armitage, along with Tom Corrigan later in the half.

Five minutes after the restart the visitors opened the scoring, John Wilding the Fulwood scorer; inexperienced play by the wing back Saul Gruffogg, who was caught in possession led to the goal, but in fairness the young wingback had a steady match.

Amateurs always looked dangerous, but Richmond were now giving as good as they got - a free kick by Chris Jones found the head of Mark Bailey, unfortunately the new center forward couldn't get enough purchase to head the ball with any venom leaving the keeper with an easy pick up.

Some excellent wing play from Jack Golding was spoiled by the final delivery, with striker Bailey looming and ready to pounce, the left sided midfielder cross far too high.

Another free kick from Chris Jones finds midfielder Ryan Giller whose shot was blocked; Richmond were desperately searching for the equaliser, leaving themselves vulnerable to the counter attack.

A call for a penalty when striker Pete Armitage was seemingly bundled over in the six yard box, no penalty called referee Becket ... it certainly looked very clumsy from the opposition's defender's from my position behind the goal.

The game might have ended one apiece with Richmond pressing, but near the end of the game, the visitors found the back of the Richmond net for the second time, scorer Don Parkinson.

Richmond rallied and went close when a Fulwood defender miss hit a clearance, the ball skimming along the goal line and out for a corner kick.

Never say die effort from the home side, but the better side won on the day.

Well played both sides, a good match that the Richmond side must learn from.