The two sides met earlier in the season, Longridge winning 3-2 so Darley and Gornall were keen to get the message across that this would not be an easy game.
The pitch was narrow and the game was scrappy, both sides struggling to get the ball down and pass it.
Town began to settle, strikers Fox and Coar harried the defenders at every opportunity. Longridge took an early lead, Garry lifting a cross into the box, Passmore reacting first to steer a clinical low finish into the corner of the net.
Rovers made a game of it though, and Dave in the Town goal made two brilliant saves to maintain the lead. The first from a cross headed powerfully towards goal and minutes later he saved the defenders' blushes as a mistake left the striker one on one. He did brilliantly to smother the shot.
Longridge responded instantly, breaking to make it 2 - 0. Melling latched on to a loose ball on the edge of the area and shot low 25 yards into the corner of the net.
The half time whistle went and the reds were firmly in control. Darley and Gornall insisted the next goal in the game would be crucial and it was important that Town keep a clean sheet. But Rovers restarted brightly and were starting to push Longridge back deep into their own half.
An over hit cross from the left winger hit the cross bar and rebounded to safety much to the relief of away fans. Although Rovers were doing most of the attacking they created little as Ross, Garry, Woodruff and Routledge defended resolutely.
Town finished the game through Coar. The 'bull', as he is known to team-mates, out-muscled two defenders and fired low into the corner to guarantee three points.
Rovers continued to show great spirit and were awarded a controversial penalty with ten minutes to play.
Melling got up at the back post to head clear a cross but the referee spotted a push in the area. Their captain netted from the spot.
But Longridge upped the tempo and scored twice more, first English from the edge of the box and then with virtually the last kick of the game Ross put away a 35 yard 'Roberto Carlos-style' free kick.
Darley and Gornall were pleased with the result after the game and celebrated in style with the players on the journey home. Town are at home to Askam United next Saturday, kick off is at 3pm.
Team: Dave 8, Ross 7, Woodruff 8, Routledge 8, Garry 7 (Billsborough 7), Passmore 7 (Kiernan 6), Melling 8, Bullock 8. English 7, Coar 8, Fox 8 (Eccles 7)