Match Reports

1st Team Match Reports 2nd Team Match reports

Barnoldswick Town 1 v Congleton Town 2

The day was a contrast weather wise, really warm sunshine, cloudy and then for a large part of the 2nd half heavy rain. For this opening game Town were without Billy Carrington, Jack Overson, Shaun Clough, Neil Chapman and Liam Garbutt through Holidays and injuries. The game started off as one would have expected with Town showing plenty of energy going forward, attacking down both flanks. Congleton having repulsed these early skirmishes into their half then produced the games first chance, Scott Dundas working the ball across the Town penalty area found himself with only Chris Brennan in the Town goal to beat but he dragged his shot wide of the target. Congleton's man of the match Matthew Haddrell a minute later had another great chance to open Congleton's account but he shot straight at Brennan when he should really have scored.
Town kept going forward and Robert Grimes swivelling inside the penalty area saw his shot deflected for a corner, Liam Blades took it delivering to the near post where Robbie Smith hit the ball just over the bar. On 8 minutes Grimes was fouled just outside the penalty area, Smith took the freekick, Paul Barrett managed to get his head on the ball inside the 6 yard box but he could only glance it wide. Congleton were the next to pose a threat, Haddrell forcing Brennan to tip his shot over the bar. Congleton were beginning to take control of the match and on 19 minutes Andrew Hurst was put through on the Town goal, Brennan being forced into a great save tipping the ball round for a corner. From the corner the ball was cleared upfield to Barrett who took the ball on eventually firing a shot at goal from 30 yards out, unfortunately straight at Matthew Conkie in the Congleton goal.
Then on 22 minutes Congleton made a telling substitution, Shane Reaney coming on and within a minute scored with his first touch, picking the ball up wide on the Town left he hit a screamer from the corner of the penalty are giving Brennan no chance of saving it.
Town responded with Smith squaring the ball across the penalty area to Daniel Caton whose shot was tipped over the bar by Conkie. Congleton then had Scott Dundas booked for stamping on Spencer Jordan when it could easily have been a red card. Jordan straight after the incident showed he had no after effects as he turned in the penalty area firing a shot just over the bar.
Brennan again had to be on his mettle as Haddrell headed goalwards, he scrambled across his goal to turn it round the post as it looked like sneaking in at the far post.
The next 10 minutes of the game saw both teams on the offensive without being able to bring the two keepers into the action. Five minutes before halftime Spencer Jordan was put through on goal but Conkie won the race for the ball clearing it 10 yards outside his penalty area. Blades in the 41st then tried his luck, picking the ball up on the halfway line he eventually shot from the edge of the Congleton penalty area but it curled just wide of the near upright. play was fluctuating from end to end Blades putting in a great delivery across the 6 yard box with no one able to apply the finishing touch, and Haddrell at the other end trying to curl a shot inside the far post but seeing it drift just wide with Brennan beaten. The half finished with Brennan again being brought into the action, making a great save from Robert Heath.
Town started the 2nd half on the attack, Barrett slipping the ball through the Congleton defence to Grimes but the ball crossed the line for a goalkick as he attempted to cross. Grimes had another pot at goal after 53 minutes when he turned on the edge of the penalty area firing a shot just wide of the target. Congleton at the other end had a chance when Dundas glanced his header wide from a good position. Town at the other end saw Smith try to chip the keeper from outside the penalty area the ball just dropping over the bar with the keeper beaten. Town then made their first substitution bringing on Lewis Craig for Daniel Caton (61 minutes), moving Stewart Airdrie into attack from leftback. Straight away Airdrie played a glorious ball through the Congleton defence to Blades who played a great ball in across the 6 yard line, but Town's forwards were unable to turn it in. Pressure was beginning to build on the Congleton defence with half chances beginning to be created. Craig starting to get some space down the Congleton right played a good ball into Grimes, he cut inside and got a shot at goal away but it was straight at the keeper.
Town then equalised in controversial circumstances. They won a corner after 72 minutes which was clearly deflected of Grimes and should have been a goalkick however a corner was given. The ball was delivered to the far post and half cleared towards the touchline, chasing the ball skipper Russell Clarke was impeded and a penalty given. Paul Barrett stepped up and easily scored to put Town back on equal terms.
This was short lived as Congleton were back in front three minutes later, an innocuous cross to the far post eluded the Town defence and danger man Haddrell headed down and inside the post giving Brennan no chance as it zipped off the wet turf. Congleton then could have made the game safe as Town's impetus had been blunted with the 2nd goal, Daniel Biegus shooting wide when he should really have scored. With 8 minutes left Town brought on Joe Shelmerdine for Lewis Jordan to try to get the equaliser. Airdrie tried his luck from outside the penalty area firing a fierce shot just over the corner of the bar and upright. But it was Shelmerdine who came nearest to a goal, he wriggled past one defender then Conkie in the Congleton goal but his flick towards goal from almost on the touchline hit the post and re-bounded across the yard line, Blades managed to get his head to the ball and it fell to Spencer Jordan who fired towards the yawning goal, unfortunately Smith prodded the ball over the line into the net from almost on the line and was given offside so the goal didn't count. No blame can be attached to Smith as anyone in his position would have done the same.
Town can take heart from this match against one of the teams tipped to win the league, they can feel that they could have earned a draw on their 2nd half performance with a little more luck around the penalty area.
Team:- Brennan, Blades, Airdrie, L Jordan, Clarke (Capt), Williams, S Jordan, Smith, Grimes, Barrett, Caton. Subs:- Britton, Bradshaw, Shelmerdine (L Jordan 82), Craig (Caton 61), Riley.

Ramsbottom United 1 v Barnoldswick Town 0

Town welcomed back into the team keeper Billy Carrington and Shaun Clough with Neil Chapman on the bench having returned from holiday. Jack Overson and Liam Garbutt still missing from the squad. The evening was perfect for football and a crowd of 185 settled down for this first encounter between the two teams.
Town started the better of the two teams forcing the Rams back, Paul Barrett chased the ball as Ian Flannery one of the Ramsbottom central defenders passed the ball back to his keeper Martin Campbell, he beat Campbell to the ball near the touchline and pulled it back across the 6 yard area but there was no one to take advantage. Robert Grimes then thundered a shot from outside the penalty area which whistled past Campbell's far post.
Ramsbottom's first attack of any note came after 10 minutes when Dominic Smalley put over a good cross, this was cut out by Bill Williams who cleared deep into the Ramsbottom half. Two minutes later a Ramsbottom freekick was missed by Carrington as he came out to collect Town quickly cleared the ball upfield and won a corner. Liam Blades took the corner crossing deep into the penalty area where Russell Clarke headed back across goal to Spencer Jordan, he swivelled on the ball just outside the 6 yard box but lost his footing as he prepared to shoot causing the ball to run weakly into the grasp of Campbell. Town should have taken the lead after 19 minutes when Spencer Jordan chased a ball and caught it on the touchline near the edge of the penalty area and pulled it back, Robbie Smith then managed to scoop it past a defender into the path of Barrett who only had Campbell to beat but his shot was weak and straight at the keeper.
Michael Morrison then curled as freekick straight at Carrington. In the next 5 minutes leading up to the half hour mark Town had two dubious offside decisions given against them, the second very contentious as Grimes came from behind a defender to run onto the ball and was then through on goal. From then on for the remainder of the game Ramsbottom were on top, a Bernard Morley freekick was hooked over the Town bar by Flannery, and Morrison caused problems curling a shot just over the angle of Carrington's goal with him beaten. Andrew Dawson then fired a fierce shot just wide of goal and a Smalley cross was headed over by Morrison from a good position.
Ramsbottom took the lead after 41 minutes when a cross down the Town right was saved by Carrington's feet, the ball rebounding to Joe Pilkington who had the easiest of tasks in slipping the ball into an empty net. Town went straight down to the Ramsbottom end a minute later and a deep cross found the head of Barrett who directed his header back across goal, unfortunately for Town it hit the far post rebounding into the arms of Campbell.
The second half belonged to Ramsbottom who put a lot of pressure on the Town defence who coped admirably as the pressure grew. Town tried to change things by substituting Lewis Jordan for Joe Shelmerdine with 20 minutes left. A minute later and Bill Williams dived full length to head the ball over his own bar as Ramsbottom threatened again.
Town went straight onto the attack and Spencer Jordan's cross went through a ruck of players and found Shelmerdine but his shot looped of his boot allowing Campbell time to tip it over the bar. A second Town substitution saw Neil Chapman come on replacing Daniel Caton with 13 minutes left on the clock. The nearest Town came to an equaliser came with 11 minutes left when a Spencer Jordan shot was cleared for a corner. Stewart Airdrie came on with 6 minutes left but Town never really threatened to get an equaliser.
Another defeat for Town against another top team in the division from last season. They certainly weren't disgraced by this performance and with a little more luck in the first 30 minutes could have been two goals up.
Team:- Carrington, Blades, Clough, L Jordan, Clarke (Capt), Williams, S Jordan, Smith, Grimes, Caton. Subs:- Britton, Craig, Airdrie (Barrett 84), Chapman (Caton 77), Shelmerdine (L Jordan 70).

Barnoldswick Town Res 5 v Irlam Res 1

The first game of the season has been eagerly anticipated by Town and so it proved. The side was strong with Jack Overson, Neil Chapman and Billy Carrington in the side because of lack of matchtime. With that said Irlam started the brighter shooting towards the Sewer in the first half and forcing Carrington into a fine save to his right after 5 mins. After that though Town pushed on and were the the better side for the remainder of the first half. Whelan was causing havoc down the Irlam left and Brown down the right. The midfield duo of Britton and Halliwell started to dominate and the passing started to get a zip and quickness to it. One chance one goal for Chapman as he finished into the top right hand corner from the edge of the box. 5 mins later it was 2 as Brown was upended in the box and Chapman dispatched the penalty with ease. Irlam should have been put to the sword but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score at half time down to 2-0.
Town were attacking the sewer in the second half but started slowly and Irlam came into the game and scored a great goal down to Carringtons right. The number 10 who scored it was a constant thorn with his pace. Then Whelan again down the right, after cutting inside a few times went the other way and whipped in a vicious cross which Brown met with a well directed header past the dispairing hand of the Irlam Keeper. Mousley on now for Clark was causing problems with his pace and nearly made it 4 when he nutmegged the Irlam centre half but then hit the post with only the keeper to beat. 5 mins later though Whelan cut inside and hit an absolute screamer from fully 35 yards which hit the angle of the word work. Chapman was first to react but he also hit the bar and then Overson strode in and headed the ball into the net. Chances were coming at regular intervals and Gaskell then scored the goal of the game as he swivelled on the edge of the box and volleyed into the top corner. Mousley turned his man and narrowly shot over from the edge of the box moments later.
So all in all a good start to the season with some excellent performances, hopefully the boys will take this form into next weeks game at home to last years league champions Bootle.

Team Carrington,Harrison,Ellerton,Garvey,Overson,Britton,Helliwell(Gaskill),Brown(Bell),Whelan,Chapman,Clark(Mousley). subs not used - Russell,Lee.

St Helens Town 0 v Barnoldswick Town 3

For this visit to the St Helen's rugby ground at Knowsley Road Town could still not field a full squad, Liam Garbutt & Robbie Smith unavailable due to injury & holiday, but Town welcomed back Jack Overson into the squad.
It would be interesting to see how the Town players coped with playing in a large stadium with the shouts of the players etc echoing around the largely empty terraces.
Three minutes into the match and it was St Helen's who threatened first, a mistake in the Town midfield left Liam Pearson and Shaun Clough vying for the ball just inside the Town penalty area, Pearson getting the break when Clough's backpass fell short of Billy Carrington in the Town goal, but his shot was blocked by an excellent tackle by Bill Williams. Town's first meaningful foray into the St Helen's danger area after 10 minutes saw Robert Grimes dummy the ball leaving Lewis Jordan just outside the penalty area with a clear view on goal but his powerful shot was deflected for a corner. Two minutes later and a freekick was rolled to one side and Lewis Jordan again tried his luck from just outside the area but it flew high over the bar.
Williams again foiled a promising St Helen's attack, the ball being cleared upfield. Spencer Jordan won the ball with a brilliant tackle and crossed deep into the penalty area to Neil Chapman, he headed the ball back across the 6 yard line towards Paul Barrett but he couldn't get enough on the final header and Dale Newbrook in the St Helen's goal collected.
St Helen's first shot at goal came after 17 minutes when centre forward Liam Arnold shot from outside the box but it was straight at Carrington who easily dealt with the shot. Town's defence seemed to go to sleep for about five minutes allowing the ball to be picked up by unmarked St Helen's players ending with shots on goal by Brian Hatton and Pearson but Carrington goal was not really threatened. However on 29 minutes Michael Deakin the St Helen's midfielder took a freekick from around 25 yards out that Carrington had to be on his top form for, tipping it over the bar for a corner. The rest of the first half was played mostly in midfield with both teams trying to take the initiative, the only two incidents worth reporting in that period was a shot from St Helen's Paul Cliff that Carrington parried down and then collected, and Town's best move of the match came after 44 minutes when Spencer Jordan fed Overson wide on the St Helen's left, his cross was just too high for Daniel Caton but it fell to Chapman who shot just wide. Then right on 45 minutes a weak back pass by the St Helen's fullback Hatton fell short of Newbrook in goal, Paul Barrett pouncing on the ball and scoring to the delight of all the Town contingent.
St Helen's made a substitution straight away at the start of the 2nd half bringing on Daley Woods in place of Liam Arnold. Town were the first to show in the 2nd half when Lewis Jordan went close again with a shot from outside the box. Woods replied for St Helen's when he picked the ball up on the edge of the Town penalty area and cut inside but his shot just went the wrong side of the post. St Helen's made a double substitution after 60 minutes taking Hatton and Iain Dyson off bringing on Marc Stephens and Ian Frazer to try to pull the one goal deficit back. It nearly worked as in the next minute Pearson was put in with a clear shot at goal but again it was straight at Carrington who comfortably saved. Town threatened again after 65 minutes when a 30 yard Chapman shot was tipped over the bar by Newbrook. Robert Grimes was a real handful for the St Helen's defence all afternoon with his strong running, chasing and harrying, and he had a shot blocked by the defence as it looked like he had wriggled free of the them.
It was Town's turn to make a double substitution after 70 minutes, bringing on Stewart Airdrie and Liam Blades in place of Barrett and Chapman. Airdrie was the first of the two to make his mark on the match, getting a shot on target after 78 minutes which Newbrook saved. A minute later and Town Skipper Russell Clark picked the ball up just inside the St Helen's half and saw an opportunity to move forward, his run ended up almost by the corner flag, moving the ball back into the path of Clough his cross picked out Airdrie who volleyed it from just inside the penalty area, curling the ball just inside the far post, brilliantly executed with Newbrook rooted to the spot. Three minutes later and Airdrie made the game safe, he chested a cross down just inside the penalty area, moved forward and easily slotted the ball home past Newbrook.
A welcome win after the two defeats and should put the Town players in good heart.

Team:- Carrington, Overson, Clough, L Jordan, Clarke (Capt), Williams, S Jordan, Caton, Grimes, Chapman, Barrett Subs:- Craig, Airdrie (Barrett 70), Bradshaw (Grimes 85), Shelmerdine, Blades (Chapman 70)

Barnoldswick Town Res 1 v Bootle Res 1

Barnoldswick came into the game making just three changes, Chew for Overson, Coates for Chapman and skipper Chris Brennan back in goal. After the first game of the season against Irlam, Barlick were on a high.
Bootle started well passing the ball with purpose but not really hurting Town but it was last seasons champions who scored first with a scrappy goal which there overall play just about deserved. A routine ball should have been dealt with and then Brennan made a good save but the ball ended up at the Bootle players foot who crossed and the ball was put into the empty net by the away teams gleeful striker. At this point Barlick lost a bit of composure and the passing became sloppy and under hit. Town finally got going after about 35 minutes. Morgan Brown went close with a couple of strikes and the unusually quiet Whelan had a great shot saved by the keeper from a Brown crossfield pass.
1-0 down at half time and still plenty to play for, Town came out with more purpose. Bootle were being restricted to long range efforts. Ben harrison was getting on top down Town's right and it was pressure down the right which led to top scorer Matt Coates nipping in and finishing well past the advancing keeper. Gaskell came on at right back and played well with Carl Ellerton starting to cause Bootle problems. Whelan who switched to the left started to get more into the game was putting in some terrific deliveries which town struggled to gain advantage from. The Bootle centre half put a great header just over the top as the game started to go from end to end although Town were looking the more likely victors. Gaskell put over a cracking delivery from the right which Clark headed just over at the back post when he should have really hit the target. A great passing move between 4-5 town players put Gaskell in but he pulled his well hit shot wide. Damon Clark had a good chance in last minute when he beat the keeper and centre half to the ball and then hit the post with the goal gaping at his mercy. So 4 points from the opening 2 games with AFC Liverpool up next week in another big game.

Team- Brennan,Harrison,(Gaskell),Ellerton,Chew,Garvey,Britton,Halliwell,
Brown(Lee),Whelan,Coates(Russell),Clark.
subs not used- Benfield, Bell.

Barnoldswick Town 1 v Ashton Athletic 0

The game started in a sort of cat and mouse affair, both sides looking good up to the last third when they lost their way. The first move of any note came after 12 minutes when a good interchange between Neil Chapman who squared the ball to Shaun Clough, he in turn played it back to Chapman who found Spencer Jordan just inside the penalty area, but his shot was deflected for a corner. Ashton went straight down to the Town end and Benjamin Standford headed just over the Town bar.
In the next minute Paul Barrett picked up a through ball beating one man and then cutting inside along the penalty area, but he was caught in two minds and tried to slip the ball through the defence rather than shooting himself and the chance was lost.
Town were enjoying a bit of success down the Ashton left and Liam Blades played a great ball down the Ashton left to Barrett who again cut inside along the penalty area but he once again failed to get his shot away and the defence cleared.
After 37 minutes Barrett released Blades down the Ashton left his cross flashed across the 6 yard line with and was half cleared at the far post, the ball rebounded to Spencer Jordan but his shot went weakly wide.
Right on halftime Ashton were awarded a freekick just outside the Town penalty area, Ian Dickinson took it and Billy Carrington had to dive smartly at the near post to stop the ball going in.
Three minutes into the second half Andrew Gillespie tried to curl a shot from the edge of the penalty area, fortunately for Town it was just wide of the post.
The game seemed to be opening up a little more in the second half, Barrett picking the ball up and sending a great cross along the 6 yard line but there was no Town forward to benefit from it. Ashton not to be denied saw Christopher Mackay send his shot straight at Carrington when he perhaps should have done better.Town then had a couple of shots from Chapman and Caton that were just too high over the bar.
Town then made a substitution replacing Robert Grimes with Stewart Airdrie (68 minutes). Like Saturday at St Helens it didn't take Airdrie long to make an impact on the game, 4 minutes after coming on he picked the ball up from a corner and curled a shot that was cleared from the far post as it looked to be going in. Three minutes later and he crossed for Barrett to head just wide at the far post. Town then brought on Joe Shelmerdine replacing Caton (76 minutes).
AShton were not lying down and centre forward Stanford who had been a handful all night crossed into the Town penalty area and found the Ashton rightback Jordan Hulme, his first shot was charged down but the ball rebounded to him, his second shot was also charged down by some desperate defending and was eventually cleared. Town were pressing for a winner and Bill Williams headed just over the bar from a corner.
Ashton's Hulme then had a great chance from just inside the Town penalty area but his shot flew wide of the far post.
With both sides pressing for a winner Town were awarded a freekick 30 yards from goal two minutes into injury time, Airdrie took the kick the ball hitting the bar, the ball bounced down and hit Paul Eatock and then there is some conjecture about what happened next. The Referee said that Airdrie's freekick went over the line after it hit Eatock on the back. Fans behind the goal say the ball spun away from the line and Williams following up scored the winning goal?
Whoever scored it was the winning goal, of the game as a whole a draw would have been probably the fairest result with both attacks effectively shackled by the respective defence's for most of the game.

Flixton 2 v Barnoldswick Town 2

Both teams started brightly but it was Town who made the first opening after 9 minutes. A great cross field pass from Neil Chapman to Liam Blades who put an excellent ball across the face of the goalmouth but Robert Grimes fired wide when he should really have scored.
Flixton replied immediately and Billy Carrington had to to make a brilliant one on one save to keep the scores level. Wasting no time Town went straight down passing the ball through the Flixton defence, but Spencer Jordan wasted a glorious chance to score from inside the Flixton penalty area.
The game then settled down but it wasn't too long before Town took then lead, a misunderstanding between the Flixton centre half and the goalkeeper allowed Grimes to nip in and score on 19 minutes. As sometimes always seems to happen Flixton replied immediately as the Town defence were asleep as it was. A Flixton player ran 50 yards to collect a short corner, crossed to the far post where another unmarked player scored.Town were causing no end of problems down the Flixton left, Blades in particular having a fine game. It was Blades who made two crosses in two minutes on the half hour mark that went begging from the Town forwards as they were unable to capitalise on them.
Town regained the lead after 31 minutes, Stewart Airdrie closed down the Flixton leftback, won the ball and took it to the goal line. He then pulled the ball back to Spencer Jordan who easily scored.
Flixton then responded with two corners in as many minutes in search for another equaliser. But it was Town who threatened again with 6 minutes to half time. Chapman played a great ball inside the leftback to Blades, again he played a great ball across the face of the goal, but once again no Town forward could get on the end of it another chance went begging.
The first ten minutes of the 2nd half was fairly even, the first attack on goal coming from Grimes when a fine individual run saw the Flixton keeper make a good save.
Flixton were probably having a greater share of the play after that but rarely troubling the Town defence, Carrington not having much to do. Town playing decent counter attacks looking the more likely to score. Airdrie drilling a shot just wide of the far post on 70 minutes from the edge of the penalty area.
A mazy run from Spencer Jordan saw him fire over when clean through on goal. Airdrie again threatened when his free kick 20 yards out went just over the bar. Town then substituted Spencer Jordan (85 mins) bringing on brother Lewis for the last 5 minutes.
Airdrie tried his luck again after an individual run at the Flixton defence saw him with a clear shot on goal. That was his last contribution to the game as he was replaced by Craig Bradshaw (88 mins).
After rarely troubling the Town defence a through ball to the Flixton centre forward see's him outpace Jack Overson and chip over the advancing Carrington to equalise.
Seemed a little like dejavou with Town winning their last game against Ashton Athletic in injury time and drawing this game shipping a late goal in injury time. Town should have won this game convincingly with all the chances they created.

Barnoldswick Town Res 2 v AFC Liverpool Res 0

With only two changes to the side against Bootle the week before Barlick are starting to look settled throughout the side. Gaskell was reinstated to the starting line up along with the influential Kieron Lee making his comeback after being ill.
Barlick started well and were soon imposing their slick pass and move game onto Liverpool. All the strikers were looking dangerous and the midfield of Liam Britton, Lee and Tom Halliwell took a grip of the game from the off.
After numerous chances had been missed Damon Whelan Made the breakthrough from a flick from Damon Clark and finished well past the keeper. Clark was then upended in the box and Stephen Chew contrived to miss the spotkick and the follow up. Town though scored again when again Whelan broke down the right and pulled back for Halliwell to register his first of the season.
Town should really have had the game sewn up by half time but only went in 2-0 up and this was hammered home at half time. Town started a little slowly in the second but were always the more likely to make the breakthrough. Britton and Halliwell both missing two very good chances and Garvey put a free header wide from a corner. Chris Brennan was called into action in the 75th minute for the first time saving smartly to his right. So Town's Reserves up to second in the table and keeping the pressure on Padiham at the top. Cheadle at home next week, in another tough match for Town.

Team-Brennan, Gaskell,(Harrison),Ellerton,Chew,Garvey,
Britton,Lee,Halliwell,Coates(Russell),Clark(Bell),Whelan.
Sub not used-Benfield

Barnoldswick Town 1 v Rossendale United 1

The game kicked off with both sides showing plenty of energy without really troubling the keepers. Rossendale were forced into an early substitution when Walsh was forced off with an injury, Whitehead coming on in the 4th minute.
Town were showing plenty of enterprise down both flanks, and a quick attack down the Rossendale right saw Neil Chapman cross deep into the Rossendale box, Tom Brocklehurst came out to collect the ball before Liam Blades could get on the end of it.
Rossendale then won a corner on the Town left, as it came across a Rossendale forward hooked it towards the far post where Shaun Clough headed clear unsure whether the ball was going in or not?
Town's best move to date saw Chapman playing in Blades down the left, his cross was headed back across goal by Spencer Jordan to Robbie Smith but his shot was charged down rebounding to safety. Rossendale pushed forward and Daniel Doherty forced Billy Carrington into a good save with a shot from the edge of the box.
On 23 minutes Rossendale were awarded a freekick just outside the right hand corner of the Town box, Jason Hart took the kick curling it just over the angle of the far post and bar.
Town then retaliated when Clough took a throwin, Spencer Jordan controlled the ball then threaded it through the defence back to Clough, his fierce cross from the goal line was palmed out by Brocklehurst but there was no Town forward to capitalise on it.
Rossendale were the next to show on 28 minutes when McNally tried a shot from 35 yards out but it curled just wide of the near post. Clough then crossed to the far post, Stewart Airdrie pushed the ball forward but slipped just as he was about to pull the trigger.
Rossendale then had a chance when Harry Bockarie broke free after 41 minutes just wide of goal 6 yards out but his shot was blocked by Bill Williams at the expense of a corner. Right on halftime Chapman broke free when tussling for the ball on the edge of the penalty area, his fierce shot seemed destined to break the deadlock but Brocklehurst thought otherwise pulling off a brilliant save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.
Town started the 2nd half going forward, Spencer Jordan playing the ball square just outside the Rossendale penalty area, Chapman's side foot shot just too high.
Rossendale then took the lead after 52minutes, a poor clearance from the Town defence put a Rossendale forward in on goal, Carrington blocked the initial shot but couldn't hold the ball, Nathan Bond a Rossendale substitute reacting first easily scoring off the re-bound.
Town then started to put pressure on the Rossendale defence, Jack Overson made a great run from his own half deep into the Rossendale half, releasing Blades with a defence piercing ball, Blades took the ball on but his cross from the goal line was intercepted at the near post and cleared.
Not to be outdone McNally tried his luck from 25 yards, Carrington had to dive upwards tipping the ball just over the bar. Town then substituted Daniel Caton (73 minutes) bringing on Lewis Jordan. Two minutes later and Town were on level terms. The ball was played deep into the penalty area, Airdrie cleverly pulled the ball back to the edge of the Rossendale penalty area where Robbie Smith hammered an unstoppable shot that hit the back of the net before Brocklehurst could move. Town could have moved in front but Brocklehurst tipped the ball round the post for a corner, after Airdrie had controlled the ball and shot from the corner of the 6 yard box.
Rossendale were then reduced to 10 men when their Skipper Lee Kershaw was sent off for retaliation with 10 minutes left.
Try as they may Town just couldn't force the winner, Smith on two occasions just failing to keep the ball down when well positioned inside the penalty area.
This was a game of continual excitement, 9 bookings a sending off and played at a good pace throughout. A credit to the fitness of both teams.

Team:- Carrington, Blades, Clough, Overson, Clarke (Capt), Williams, S Jordan, Caton, Smith, Airdrie, Chapman, Subs:- Grimes, L Jordan (Caton 73), Bradshaw (Smith 87), Mousley, Halliwell

Alsager Town 1 v Barnoldswick Town 1

Town had a couple of late changes to the starting lineup with Stewart Airdrie and Daniel Caton both failing late fitness checks. Shaun Clough was also missing as he was best man at a wedding, Lewis Craig coming in at left back as his replacement. And Chris Brennan replacing Bill Carrington in goal due to work commitments.
It was Town who showed first after 5 minutes when a great ball from Neil Chapman saw Robert Grimes and Michael Langley in the Alsager goal in a race for the ball, Grimes just reached it first but he could only get a slight toe poke on the ball and it trickled just the wrong side of the upright. ALsager then had a strike at goal when Liam Newman tried his luck from the edge of the Town penalty area, but he screwed it just wide of Brennan's goal. Town should have gone ahead after 11 minutes, Grimes who never says never chased a long ball deep into the Alsager penalty area, won the ball almost on the goal line and pulled it back towards the 6 yard in front of goal but Chapman blazed the chance high over the bar when he should really have scored.
Alsager were coming more into the game and Brennan had to save low down at the foot of his post as Tom Swann got a shot away. Further shots from Newman went wide of the Town goal as the pressure slowly mounted. Alsager did finally take the lead after 33 minutes but it was a poor goal to give away. Alsager were awarded a free kick inside their own half, Ben Jackson took it lobbing it high towards the Town penalty area, Brennan called for the ball then failed to get there, Dean Williams just getting his head to the ball nicking it past him. Town responded almost immediately, Chapman taking the ball to the edge of the penalty area and crossing just outside the 6 yard line, Grimes under pressure missed the ball but Spencer Jordan ghosting in unmarked at the fart post rammed it high into the roof of the net.
It was Alsager who started the 2nd half the better, Bill Williams heading clear at the far post as Williams the tall Alsager centre forward threatened the Town goal from a cross. Town then took Grimes off who had started the game with a slight knock, replacing him with Joe Shelmerdine (60 mins). Both teams were struggling to break the respective defence's down, and were resigned to shots from outside the penalty area. Town then made another substitution bringing on Craig Bradshaw (81 mins) for Spencer Jordan. A minute later Shelmerdine chased the ball just into the Alsager penalty area beating the advancing keeper to the ball and touching it past him the ball drifting just wide of the post Bradshaw unable to get to it to turn it in.
Another Town substitution (85 mins) saw Matthew Coates come on for Lewis Jordan. Town were beginning to threaten more in the last ten minutes, a Chapman shot was palmed away at full stretch by Langley for a corner which was cleared upfield, Jack Overson making two great tackles in succession to stop Alsager scoring. Not to be outdone Town made a quick break deep into injury time which saw them outnumber the Alsager defence, but Liam Blades moving into the Alsager penalty area tried to curl the ball with the outside of his foot into the far corner when there were better options inside, the ball easily cleared.
Although Town didn't win it is now 5 games unbeaten, and shows the depth that the squad now has, that it can overcome injury problems and still put in a decent performance.

Team:- Brennan, Blades, Craig, Overson, Clarke (Capt), Williams, S Jordan, Smith, Grimes, Chapman, L Jordan Subs:- Airdrie, Bradshaw (S Jordan 81), Coates (L Jordan 85), Caton, Shelmerdine (Grimes 60)

Barnoldswick Town Res 8 v Cheadle Town Res 2

Two forced changes this week with Chris Brennan and Matthew Coates both going with the first team to Alsager. So in came Sean Cullen in goal and Ben Mousley up top. A great day for football, sun shining pitch perfect, so no excuses.
Town were straight into their stride causing havoc down either flank with Whelan and Mousley getting in on a number of occasions.
Either a poor finish, decision or a good save from the keeper kept the scores at 0-0 until the 15th minute. Whelan was unleashed down the right and squared the ball for Clark to finish from six yards out. The chances were coming thick and fast, and Town made it two with a blistering counter attack. 4 passes all players taking either one or two touches and Whelan broke and smashed home from 20 yards out in off the post. Town kept pressing and chances fell to Clark and Whelan again before Ben Mousley got a goal disallowed for a push. Cheadle got their first just before half time although it was dubious as the centre forward had Josh Garvey in a head lock as he poked the ball home. Half time the sides went in at 2-1 and Town still having to fight for a game they should have finished off.
Russell came on for Mousley at half time because of injury. No signs of complacency were apparent as Town continued to attack and got their rewards straight away when the ball broke to the edge of the area and Gaskell hammered an unstoppable volley into the top corner, not bad for a full back. Town were 4-1 up not long after when Whelan coolly finished past the advancing keeper from a cracking through ball from Halliwell. The crowd didn't have to wait long for his hat trick as again he finished well cutting in from the right. Damon Clark then got the sixth with a well placed header at the back post to make it 6. The subs were made, Harrison for Garvey, Brown for Halliwell but the momentum never dipped as Chew released Whelan down the right and he squared viciously for Britton to stab home for number 7. Russell then scored a delightful chip over the advancing keeper and that completed the scoring for Town. Brown had a couple of chances when he came on but the keeper made two great saves, as a few more chances were missed. Cheadle got another goal 5 minutes from the end as a long range strike took a wicked deflection off Chew and ended up in the far corner.
All in all a pleasing performance, Lee, Britton and Halliwell were again excellent throughout, prompting the Town attacks. Ellerton and Gaskell were both superb at full back, getting forward at every opportunity. Sean Cullen had a good first game in goal and the forward line was excellent.
A very pleasing result as we have been threatening this score line for a couple of weeks. New Mills away next week will be a very tough game though, and we will have to up it again for that game. This win puts Town on top of the table.

Squires Gate 1 v Barnoldswick Town 1

Town welcomed back Shaun Clough and Stewart Airdrie into the starting lineup after wedding duties and injury.
The pitch was in immaculate condition and wet after a teatime heavy shower.
Town started the game well and should have gone ahead after 35 seconds when a great cross from the Gate left picked out Spencer Jordan unmarked 7 yards from goal but he put his header wide of the post a great chance.
Play was going from end to end and Gate's David Woodruff shot just over the bar from outside the penalty area. Town replied immediately, Airdrie broke quickly down the left and played a ball in over the defence to Clough but his first time shot from inside the penalty area sailed over the bar.
Squires Gate then took the lead in their next attack, a long ball caught the Town defence napping and Scott Harries came in at the far post tucking the ball under Billy Carrington's body to score (9 mins).Town kept plugging away for the equaliser, Airdrie fired a fierce shot straight at the keeper from just outside the area, then a mix up in the Gate defence when they all left the ball to each other saw Airdrie pull the ball back from on the goal line, but Robbie Smith coming onto it blazed over from just inside the box.
Squires Gate were the next to show when Carrington punched a cross out but only to the gate centre forward Kenneth Mayers who turned and hit the base of the Town upright, Town managing to clear the danger.
Town should have scored again after 21 minutes when Airdrie broke clear down the Gate left, his ball in was an absolute peach straight into the path of Robert Grimes coming in unmarked, but instead of shooting first time he tried to bring the ball under control allowing the Neal Beesley in the Gate goal to come out and smother his final shot. Carrington at the other end was kept busy, diving to his left to push the ball away to safety. Town should really have been a couple of goals clear by the half hour mark, Spencer Jordan played the ball inside to Grimes who took the ball on two paces and shot, the ball was deflected for a corner.
Liam Blades getting forward down the Gate left swung a dangerous cross which went almost along the goal line to the near post where Beesley had to fist clear under pressure from the Town forwards.
Squires Gates then enjoyed a period of pressure on the Town goal with Nigel Taylor shooting high from just outside the Town box, and Gareth Lewis forcing Carrington to stretch to tip the ball just over the crossbar for a corner.
Then disaster for Town, Airdrie who had been prompting the forward line well ran for a ball towards the gate goal and pulled up with a reoccurrence of the hamstring injury that had kept him out of the Alsager game , he was immediately substituted Paul barrett coming on (40 mins).
Town should have gone ahead 3 minutes later, Bill Williams made a great run inside the Gate penalty area beating three defenders along the way. His initial cross was blocked but he picked up the rebound turned and got a shot away at goal which was only half cleared to Grimes inside the 6 yard area but he delayed his shot again and the ball after pinging from one player to another was finally cleared by a relieved Gate defence. Halftime came with Town a goal down and regretting those missed chances.
Squires Gate started the second half the better of the two teams, Alex McKendrick and Andrew Richards forcing Carrington into making saves. Town's first chance came when Clough made a good run down the Gate right and got a good cross away but he couldn't pull it back far enough and Beesley saved at the near post with Barrett waiting unmarked in the middle.
Town started to pile the pressure on looking for the equaliser, Smith played the ball square to Jack Overson who was now beginning to get forward more, his shot from 25 yards was tipped over the bar by Beesley. From the resulting corner the ball ended up at the feet of Smith on the right side of the gate penalty area, he curled his shot over the defence to the far post hitting the bar and rebounding to safety. But a minute (62 mins) later Smith had his reward, the ball was half cleared just outside the Gate penalty area and he made no mistake, cracking a great shot into the back of the net giving Beesley no chance of saving.
Squires Gate were not finished and only a great tackle by Skipper Russell Clarke stopped Mayers from putting them back in front.
Town responded with Blades putting in a great cross which saw a Neil Chapman shot deflected for a corner.
Town will regret those missed chances as it was two points lost, however it makes it 6 games without defeat and a solid base to build on. The time to worry is when the chances are not there.

Barnoldswick Town 2 v Winsford United 2

This was always going to be a severe test of how far the Town had come due to injuries. Shaun Clough was missing after a work related injury, Spencer Jordan was injured in training, Stewart Airdrie still with a hamstring strain picked up midweek at Squires gate, and Liam Garbutt and Daniel Caton are still out with groin strains, Damon Whelan and Carl Ellerton coming into the side from the Reserves. Winsford were 2nd in the table and looking to stay there. A very interesting game ensued with four players Town goalkeeper Billy Carrington, and three Winsford players Colin McAllister, Carl Furlong and Lee Thompson all getting red cards.
The game started with little action to bring either keeper into any serious saves, until the 11th minute when Lee Thompson committed a nasty foul on Carrington forcing the Town keeper to receive treatment from Dave Southern the Town Physio.
But Town did take the lead after 14 minutes . An innocuous ball played down the Winsford left saw fullback Ryan Stewart under no pressure at all play the ball back to his goalkeeper Richard Mottram as Whelan closed him down. Whelan continued to chase the ball which was now at the feet of Mottram, He in turn tried to pass it back to Stewart but instead passed it straight to Whelan who coolly lobbed the ball over him into the net, a well taken goal but a great howler by the Winsford keeper.
Liam Blades was getting forward at every opportunity, causing Mottram to be alert for his crosses into the box.
A scare for Town after 19 minutes when Thompson managed to get to the Town goal line but Russell Clarke and Jack Overson blocked his attempted crosses into the Town danger area with two well timed tackles.
Winsford were reduced to 10 men when Carl Furlong was given a straight red card for striking out at a Town player after 25 minutes.
Michael Ellison the Winsford inside forward tried his luck from 25 yards but the shot was always rising over the bar.
Then came the second and third red cards after 39 minutes, Thompson wriggled his way into the Town penalty area past four or five tackles and as he was shooting on the edge of the 6 yard line Carrington came out and cleared the ball, Thompson hurt Carrington with a reckless high challenge, Carrington retaliated, both players receiving their marching orders after a lengthy spell of treatment on the Town keeper. Town's Management responded by taking skipper Russell Clarke (who started the game with an injury) off bringing on Stewart Airdrie to take over in goal. Winsford immediately tested Airdrie out but the shot from distance by Ryan Stewart sailed over the bar.
Town then won a corner after 8 minutes of the second half, the ball came over and Bill Williams was caught in two minds as the ball fell to him unmarked towards the corner of the box, in the end he headed it goalwards to the near post where Lewis Jordan was also unmarked, but Jordan could only turn his shot against the post with the Winsford defence nowhere in sight. A miss that was to prove costly. Instead of going 2-0 up Winsford equalised immediately, a cross from the Town right was only half cleared by Airdrie and Stuart Wellstead picked the ball up and scored into the far corner. Town were relying on Blades getting forward for crosses into the box, but these were being picked off comfortably by Mottram in the Winsford goal. Airdrie did make amends for not punching clear for the equaliser when Wellstead jinked into the Town penalty area and got a fierce shot away, Airdrie moving to his right palmed the ball away across goal, Jack Overson completing the clearance as a Winsford forward closed in.
Town nearly regained the lead after 62 minutes when Whelan played a good ball to Robert Grimes inside the penalty area who in turn laid the ball back to Robbie Smith, but Mottram made a good save from his shot. Town made a double substitution after 67 minutes, Whelan and Jordan making way for Craig Bradshaw and Paul Barrett.
Winsford took the lead a minute later, Wellstead picking the ball up and sending an unstoppable shot into the net via the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards giving Airdrie no chance of saving. Town were beginning to search for the equaliser, Smith played a great ball to Blades who put in a great cross to the near post, Bradshaw hooking the ball just wide of the near post. Stewart the Winsford full back found himself free on the corner of the Town 6 yards box but he sliced his shot wide of the far post, a lucky let off for Town. Town went straight to the other end and Bradshaw should have done better when well placed on the edge of the 6 yard box but his weak header went wide of the far post.
Neil Chapman headed straight at the keeper from 8 yards out, either side would surely have produced a goal. Ellerton made good progress down the Winsford right but his cross went begging as it raced across the face of the Winsford goal, no Town forward to tap into the net.
Town's equaliser came two minutes into injury time, a Chapman corner dropped into the 6 yard box where it seemed to bounce around for ages before to bounced to Barrett who headed home much to the delight of the home crowd and his teammates, Colin McAllister became the third Winsford player to be sent off as he complained bitterly with the official about Town;s late equaliser, he had already been booked previously.
A good performance considering the injury toll which may ease with there being no midweek match this week.

New Mills Res 1 v Barnoldswick Town Res 3

Town came into the game with 5 forced changes from the 8-2 home win against Cheadle Town.  Damon Clark and Mousley both out injured, with Whelan, Ellerton and Lee all going with the first team it was a chance for other lads to earn their shirts.  They duly obliged.
  The first ten minutes Town were a little hurried in possession but soon settled and the usual pass and move started to flow. Britton, Halliwell and Harrison taking control of the midfield.  Garvey and Chew were commanding at the back ably assisted by Bell and Gaskell.  Up top Coates was causing all kinds of problems with Russell and Craig providing the ammo.  On 14 minutes Town took the lead when a slick passing move saw Britton finish well in the bottom right hand corner from 18 yards.  This was to be Brittons last contribution to the game as he was laid out by a stupid full blooded challenge from the New Mills centre midfielder.  Britton couldn't carry on and Morgan Brown was introduced.  This didn't seem to deter Barlick as they carried on creating chances and it was soon 2-0 when halliwell broke up a Mills attack on the 18 yard line he then fed Morgan Brown who played a delightful diagonal ball to Coates and he finished coolly with a well taken lob over the advancing keeper.  At 2-0 Town were looking comfortable then the millers had a break down the left.  The ball was pulled back and the advancing midfielder clipped the bar from the edge of the box.  That was the wake up call and Town pressed for the all important third goal.  Half time 2-0 and looking good shooting down the hill in the second half.  Town went straight on the offensive, and should have been 4 to the good but sloppy finishing stopped Town adding to their tally until the 65th minute when Halliwell finished coolly from 6 yards.  Young Ryan Anderson made his debut, coming on for the tireless Coates who had been excellent all afternoon.  Anderson turned his man on the edge of the box and rifled a shot just wide.  Morgan Brown then intercepted a pass across the back but his lob just went over and Russell missed a similar chance when in a good position.  New Mills got their consolation goal with 3 minutes to go when there centre forward turned smartly and finished under Cullen.  A good performance under the circumstances all the players were excellent and worked hard for each other.
Town entertain Padiham at home on Tuesday night in the top of the table clash.

Team-Cullen,Gaskell,Bell,Chew,Garvey,Britton(Brown),Halliwell,Harrison,Coates(Anderson),Craig,Russell.
Subs not Used-Lee,Renwick,Bywater.

Barnoldswick Town Res 1 v Padiham Res 2

Town again made changes to the line up with Lee in for a concussed Britton, Whelan back in for Russell, Barrett in for Coates, Ellerton for Bell and Brennan for Cullen.  The first 20 minutes were very cagey with neither side really getting hold of the game.  Town were forcing corners and Padiham were nippy on the break.  The first chance fell to Lewis Craig who really should have done better but stabbed a foot at the ball which the keeper blocked.  Padiham were starting to look dangerous and when some sloppy play was cut out in midfield a straight ball in down the right hand side saw a good finish low to Brennan's right.  Padiham started to push for a second but Town started to pass the ball better once they had resettled.  Town were awarded a free kick about 35 yards out and Lewis Craig hit an absolute screamer in the top corner of the Padiham goal.  Town were fortunate to be going in at 1-1.
  The second half started with Town on top but not really finding there usual passing game.  Town created a few half chances but nothing of much note but Padiham were creating nothing either.  On the 75th minute the ball broke down the right the Padiham centre forward cut inside leaving his man for dead and finishing past Brennan at his near post.  Town responded and put the visitors under pressure with Padiham still being dangerous on the break.  Town were awarded a free kick for a pass back from which Whelan hit the inside of the post. Nutter, Coates and Russell were introduced to no avail as Padiham saw the game out.
  A poor display by Town's new standards, they now need to pick themselves back up for a tricky away game in the Craven cup on Saturday against Grindleton.

Team- Brennan,Gaskell,Ellerton,Garvey,Chew,Lee,Harrison,Halliwell(Russell),Craig(Nutter),Barrett(Coates),Whelan.
Subs not used-Brown,Bell.

FA Carlsberg Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

Maine Road 1 v Barnoldswick Town 0

Town still had injury problems for their first foray into the FA Carlsberg Vase Cup competition. Shaun Clough, Joe Shelmerdine and Stewart Airdrie were all on the bench after recent injuries and were not fully fit, Neil Chapman was also unavailable, Chris Brennan came into goal as Billy Carrington was unfit after being injured against Winsford last week. The pitch was in good condition and after the first 10 minutes the rest of the game was played in light rain.
Both teams set off with attacking ideas the Maine Road team moving the ball around very quickly on the wet turf, however it was Town who threatened in the 3rd minute when a cross along the ground into the box saw Robert Grimes upended, it was a clear penalty to everyone in the ground except for the Referee who waved play on, even the Maine Road officials and spectators called it a stonewall penalty.
Town were coming under pressure from the hard working Maine Road players and were lucky not to concede in the 9th minute when after a bout of head tennis saw Edward Moran the Maine Road fullback head wide at the far post when it looked easier to score. Five minutes later and Liam Beckford got in round the back of the Town defence down their left, his fierce shot/cross was deftly turned over the bar for a corner by Brennan. It was Beckford again after 20 minutes who broke free one on one with Brennan in the Town goal, Brennan making a good save to thwart him.
Town went straight down to the other end and Liam Blades won a corner, when it came in Bill Williams rose head and shoulders above the Maine Road defenders to crash a great header off the crossbar.
Just after the half hour mark Grimes whose never say die attitude impressed again when he chased a seemingly lost cause winning a corner, Williams again out jumped the defence but this time his header just drifted wide of the far post.
Brennan then somehow reached up to tip a shot from Rob Brocklehurst from three yards out over the bar when it looked all over a goal. The last action of the first half again saw Williams head a corner back across goal where Paul Barrett just wide of the far post tried to volley the ball goalwards but he completely missed the ball.
Maine Road took the lead after 55 minutes, Williams booked for a foul just outside the penalty area, the ball was delivered at pace across the Town 6 yard area and Chris Hirst bundled the ball in with the Town defenders looking on. Maine Road should have gone further ahead when Brocklehurst miss kicked when clear in front of goal. It was all Maine Road attacking at will, their centre half Richard Gresty narrowly failing to turn a cross into the Town net.
Town made a double substitution after 67 minutes, Joe Shelmerdine and Stewart Airdrie coming on for Spencer Jordan and Robert Grimes. Airdrie immediately made his mark on the game shooting from just outside the penalty area, forcing Andrew Jones in the Maine Road goal into his first save of the match. Maine Road were still in attacking mode and Carl Ellerton who had been left exposed most of the game down the Town left made a great tackle at the expense of a corner to save a certain goal.
At the other end Airdrie played a great ball over the defence to Barrett who again miss kicked when well placed on the edge of the 6 yard box, the defence recovering the situation the ball being cleared for a corner.
Town's nearest chance of a goal came with 5 minutes left. The ball came in from a corner on the Maine Road left, it was only half cleared and Lewis Jordan shot from inside the 6 yard area, Stephen Cheetham the Maine Road full back threw himself at the ball on the goal line and managed to hack it clear.
That was the last threat to Maine Road who ran out worthy winners on a day when the Town looked disjointed in midfield, and apart from the Bill Williams threat at corners failed to put any pressure on the Maine Road goalkeeper.
Town must now gather themselves together and look forward to the league match against Formby next Saturday.

Craven Cup 1st Round

Grindleton 1 v Barnoldswick Town Res 5

Town came into the game a little disappointed with their performance on Tuesday night. Town have adopted a new found long ball style to drive spectators away and win football matches. Barlick made 3 forced changes to the side which lost midweek with Liam Britton, Daniel Russell and Cullen back in and all 3 making their mark.
Town started sluggishly and the Grindleton pacy left winger caused a few problems early on in the game. Town soon settled though and started to get the ball on the deck as the new found long ball game struggled to bring them success. Whelan, Russell and Gaskell were causing problems with their movement and Gaskell scored a great goal cutting in from the left and curling it into the top right hand corner. Whelan and Halliwell were combining well and Whelan sent in a corner which Russell tapped home after a mad goalmouth scramble. Chances were coming thick and fast and missed even quicker as Halliwell, Russell and Whelan were all guilty of some wayward shooting.
At half time town had to reshuffle as Chew had to leave the field and was replaced by Renwick who performed well at centre half. Bell was causing all kinds of problems for Grindleton down the left and it was soon 3 when Gaskell got on the end of one of his crosses and made 3. By this point it was all Town and they made it 4 when Whelan got in on the act finishing well to the keepers right. The scoring was complete with 10 minutes remaining when Whelan crossed for McGeachie to stab home. There was still time for Grindleton to gain a consolation when some dithering occurred at the back and the home centre forward smashed home.
Town bounced back well today and all credit to the lads because these games can be potential banana skins. Town have a 2 week break now and its well needed as hopefully we will get a few players back fit in the coming weeks.

Team-Cullen,Harrison,Bell,Garvey,Chew(Renwick),Britton,K Lee,Halliwell,Gaskell(Cavanagh),Whelan,Russell(McGeachie).
subs not used-A Lee, Ryan Anderson.

Barnoldswick Town 4 v Formby 0

Town welcomed three new signings for this match. Billy Carrington was still injured from the Winsford United game and was due to start a three match suspension, so new signing Mark Crossley came into goal. The other two new signings were Aaron Hollindrake from Harrogate Railway who started at centre forward, and Kenneth Strickland who came from Marine and started in midfield. Skipper Russell Clarke was also out through work and injury, there was some good news on the injury front, Liam Garbutt should be fit in two weeks time. Shaun Clough was available to start, and Daniel Caton was on the bench.
Formby came after recording their first win of the season midweek, so a tight match was envisaged.
It was Formby who showed first, when Jack Overson had to make a great tackle just inside the Town penalty area to stop a Jamie Henders shot. Play was then confined to the midfield areas until Town took the lead after 13 minutes. Shaun Clough whipped a ball in to the far post, where Hollindrake rose to head back across goal. Robbie Smith then headed home from 8 yards out over the despairing leap of Michael Jenson in the Formby goal.
Town went quickly into a two goal lead two minutes later. A Liam Blades freekick on the Formby left was headed home by Bill Williams, a goal he has been threatening to score in his last three games.
Formby tried to get back into the game and Overson had to dive full length to head clear a cross from Henders who was causing the Town defence to be on their guard, with his quick probing.
Town's attacks were now gathering momentum and shots by Neil Chapman and Blades just went wide of the target, while headers from Smith and Spencer Jordan sailed just over the bar. Formby did have their moments and Henders beat the Town offside trap to reach the ball just on the edge of the area, he lifted his shot over the advancing Crossley and fortunately for Town over the bar.
Town went three up after 36 minutes, a Chapman shot was palmed away by Jenson but only into the path of Spencer Jordan who gleefully turned it in from two yards out.
Formby again looked dangerous on the break, centre forward Gary Martindale was linking up well with Henders who picked up his flick on but could only drive the ball over the bar from an acute angle.
With five minutes left of the first half Town won a corner on the Formby left, Blades took it short getting the ball back on the edge of the area, his fierce cross came through a ruck of players and hit Hollindrake 2 yards from the goal line, he was unable to turn it in, and it was cleared .There was still time for Formby to get up the other end, Martindale again fed Henders with a great ball but Crossley once again came to town's rescue beating the ball well away from danger.
Straight after half time Town had another great chance to go further in front, a Clough cross was only half cleared, Lewis Jordan picking up the rebound but only able to shoot just the wrong side of the post.
The only real danger to the Town goal was through Martindale and Henders, Henders this time feeding Martindale whose shot just drifted wide of the far post.
Town went four ahead when Chapman picked the ball up on the edge of the Formby penalty area, coolly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner of Jenson's net. Strickland was beginning to impose himself on the game more and he put in a powerful shot from 35 yards out that Jenson parried but couldn't hold, He just managed to recover and drop on the ball as Chapman closed in.
Formby to their credit still came forward, Gerard King shooting just over from the edge of the Town area. Lewis Jordan then put Clough away down the Formby right, his cross to the far post was headed back towards goal by Hollindrake and both Spencer Jordan and Chapman had a chance to put the ball into the net, it was Chapman who eventually got his shot away but it was blocked a yard from the goal line and hacked clear.
Town then made a substitution Joe Shelmerdine coming on for Hollindrake (72 minutes). Town's last chance at a fifth goal came after 78 minutes when a Blades cross was glanced just wide of the far post with a deft header from Chapman.
Town then brought on Caton and Ellerton for Clough and Spencer Jordan (83 minutes).
A good win for Town stretching their unbeaten league run to 8 matches. With what seems like a dreadful run of injuries appearing to ease and the three new signings all showing up well perhaps we will be able to see a more settled side.

Ashton Athletic 0 v Barnoldswick Town 5

Town started this away match with one of the strongest teams they could possibly field with players available after work commitments and injury. The bench was especially strong consisting of Paul Barrett, Stewart Airdrie, Robert Grimes, Joseph Shelmerdine and skipper Russell Clarke. The three new signings from last Saturday were included in the starting line up, and Town would have to be on their mettle to gain anything from this match, having scored in the 93rd minute to take all 3 points at home earlier in the season.
Town started off well passing the ball around and Aaron Hollindrake broke away in the 3rd minute to shoot from the edge of the box but it was just wide of the post. Ashton immediately replied and a mistake in the Town defence saw Andrew Gillespie through on goal, Mark Crossley in the Town goal was quick to spot the danger diving at his feet to smother the ball. With their slick passing which some commentators would call sexy, Town were moving forward well putting the Ashton defence under constant pressure. It was no surprise when after 15 minutes Robbie Smith slipped the ball through the Ashton defence for Neil Chapman to run onto and he easily scored low down past Paul Eatock in the Ashton goal. Town nearly increased their lead two minutes later, Liam Blades got to the Ashton goal line and pulled the ball back into the penalty area, Smith standing on the penalty spot volleyed it first time the ball screaming just past the upright. Smith did increase Town's lead after 26 minutes when he literally cruised through the Ashton defence past the keeper tucking it into the net with the defence nowhere.
Blades was showing up well with his raids down the left flank of Ashton's defence, picking up the ball on the halfway line after 34 minutes he streaked down to the goal line pulling it back to Hollindrake who quickly brought it under control turned and shot all in one movement but it was just wide of the target. Up till then the Town defence had coped easily with any threat that Ashton could muster. The back four of Blades, Shaun Clough, Jack Overson and Bill Williams giving Crossley in the Town goal an easy afternoon. Ashton's only other threat in the first half was again from Gillespie but a great tackle from Overson on the edge of the penalty area stopped that. Hollindrake nearly scored again right on half time but again the ball went just the wrong side of the upright.
Town had to make a substitution at the beginning of the second half, Stewart Airdrie coming on for Spencer Jordan who had picked up a knock in the first half.
Again Town were showing up well and after 47 minutes Lewis Jordan got a shot away the keeper parried it out to Hollindrake, he in turn headed the ball towards Smith but he shot wide when well placed on the edge of the area.
Smith made amends after 59 minutes, a corner on the Ashton left saw Eatock only partially clear the ball towards the edge of his penalty area, Smith placed a delicate volley into the top corner giving the keeper no chance , a magnificent goal. Town then took Chapman off (injury 61mins) and brought Robert Grimes on. Town were pushing forward at every opportunity and a Blades freekick on the Ashton right saw Eatock leap to his left to flick it over the bar with a good save. Another substitution for Town with Lewis Jordan (70 mins) being replaced by Paul Barrett. He was soon into the action as a through ball saw him in a race with the keeper, Eatock just taking the ball off his toes on the 6 yard line. But was only a short lived respite for Ashton, a minute later (76) another good cross into the Ashton penalty area saw Eatock only palm the ball beyond the far post, Smith headed the ball back across goal and Barrett rammed it home from close range. Town weren't finished and Hollindrake had a shot deflected for a corner. With seven minutes left on the clock Barrett dollied two defenders and put Hollindrake through on goal but his shot went wide of the post. Ashton's only threat to the Town goal came with 5 minutes left, a credit to the team as a whole for their work rate and commitment. Crossley again making a good save from Ben Stanford. However that was not the last action of the match as Blades again raced down the Ashton left flank and played a glorious ball across the penalty area, as a reward for his selfless foraging along the front line Hollindrake slammed the ball home from the edge of the 6 yard area, to open up his Town account.
A magnificent performance from all the Town players as they move up three places to eighth in the table.

Barnoldswick Town Res 2 v New Mills Res 0

After a two week lay off Town won in unspectacular fashion against New Mills. To be fair to New Mills they came with a game plan which was to stop Town playing their fluid passing game. Town were missing Brennan, Clark, Garvey and Craig. Town started with Britton at centre half and Cavanagh taking the place of Ben Harrison. Coates was back from the first team, but the fact we could still field a strong side with 4 missing says a lot for the state of the club at the minute.
The pitch was heavy in places but the surface as ever was perfect for Town's passing game and in the first half Town kept the ball well although they lacked sharpness in the final third. Whelan was getting regular crosses over but was unable to get them away from the keeper. The first real chance came in about the 20th minute when Russell slipped Halliwell in but he fired wide when really he should have hit the target, then Coates was slipped through and blazed over with only the keeper to beat. New mills weren't really a threat in the first half but the two speedy forwards were always in attendance waiting to pounce on any mistakes. Town took the lead just before half time. The ball was won by Russell on his own byline, which he cleverly back heeled to Chew who turned and played a diagonal to Whelan who turned and drove at the left full back. He in turn played the ball to Coates who cleverly held the ball up, he then laid the ball to Gaskell who broke into the box and smashed home in the keepers bottom right. A great boost before half time.
The second half Town were slow out of the blocks but doubled their lead on 50 minutes when Cavanagh broke play up and switched to Whelan who delivered a dangerous ball into the box which Halliwell stooped to head home. New mills then started to look a little more dangerous without really testing the keeper with the back four of Gaskell, Britton, Chew and Ellerton all doing their jobs well. A couple of scary moments were dealt with accordingly but the game fizzled out and a clean sheet was taken without much fuss.
A win today but Town weren't at their best throughout the game with possession being lost on numerous occasions. Hopefully Town can improve the performance side for their next game.

Barnoldswick Town 2 v Bacup Borough 2

Town welcomed back Skipper Russell Clarke for this match after Neil Chapman was ruled out with a groin strain picked up last Saturday at Ashton Athletic. The only other change to the Town line up was Chris Brennan in goal, Mark Crossley unavailable through work and Billy Carrington still suspended.
The game set off at a good pace with both sides going forward when the opportunity arose. The first save of the match was by Jon Paul Lewis in the Bacup goal when he parried a Lewis Jordan shot clear down to his right.
Town started to exert a little bit of pressure on the Bacup defence, Bill Williams heading a Liam Blades free kick towards to top corner, Lewis comfortably saving. Town won another free kick in a similar position, Blades hoisted it high under the Bacup crossbar, Lewis fumbled the ball and it dropped to Spencer Jordan just inside the 6 yard box and he rammed it home through a ruck of players.
Town had a good opportunity five minutes later but the wrong option was taken, the ball slipped right when Lewis Jordan was completely free unmarked on the left. Bacup then threatened when Lee Oldham shot from the edge of the Town penalty area, Brennan palming the ball up to take the sting out of it before collecting. Town then had to make an enforced substitution when Jack Overson was injured after 20 minutes, Robert Grimes coming on. Town then fed Kenneth Strickland the ball in midfield, he moved forward 25 yards from goal and side footed just the wrong side of the post with Lewis rooted to the spot.
Bacup continued to get forward at every opportunity and Shaun Clough had to block a shot from Hayden Paul for a corner after 25 minutes.
Five minutes later and Blades had his work cut out to defend a threatening move down the Town right. From the corner to the far post a Bacup forward shot against the post, it rebounded back to him and he squared it right across the crowded 6 yard line, it hit a couple of legs and escaped to the far side of the ground. Both teams were playing attacking football, but both defence's were in tip top shape giving nothing away. After 39minutes a through ball found Spencer Jordan clear half way inside the Bacup half the keeper was almost on the edge of his penalty area, Jordan tried to lob the ball over him but it went well wide of the target. Two minutes later and another Blades cross found the head of Spencer Jordan just outside the 6 yard box, his header hitting the upright and bouncing clear. The ball wasn't cleared very far and Aaron Hollindrake picked it up crossing into the penalty area, Robbie Smith usually deadly from that range blasted over the bar from a good position.
Down at the other end Williams did well to head the ball for a corner from almost on his own goal line. Town went in 1-0 up at half time which was probably just about right on the first half play.
Four minutes into the 2nd half saw Strickland slip the ball to Hollindrake on the edge of the Bacup penalty area, he turned losing his man but his shot was sent straight at the keeper. Town continued to press forward and Lewis Jordan had a great opportunity to put Town 2 up but he miss kicked from 8 yards out. After 53 minutes it was his brother's turn, as the ball came over Spencer had a great opportunity but he was unable to turn it into the net from 6 yards out.
Bacup then made a double substitution (56 mins) Falco Lourenco and Johnny Lomas coming on for Hayden Paul and Daniel Cocks. Within 4 minutes Bacup were level, Town failed to close down Lance Ogunyode on their right, he moved forward to the corner of the penalty area and hit a screamer across Brennan into the far top corner for a great goal.
Town went straight down from the kick off and Hollindrake tried to curl a shot into the far corner of goal but it ended up straight at Lewis in goal. Town had a lucky let off when three shots in succession from close range were blocked with desperate tackles. Bacup could have gone ahead after 71 minutes when Martin Cosgrove broke free inside the Town penalty area but screwed his shot wide. Town then brought Paul Barrett on (77 mins) taking Spencer Jordan off. At this moment in the match Bacup were looking the side more likely to score with the strong quick running of their forwards. Blades had to be on his toes with 6 minutes left when a dangerous cross to the far post, he managed to get his head on it conceding a corner. Town then took Strickland off (84 mins) bringing Joe Shelmerdine on. Right on 90 minutes Shelmerdine broke clear down the Bacup right, cut inside and fired a curling shot just over the bar. Bacup not to be out done went straight down the other end and scored, Lance Ogunyode was again given too much space, he moved left of the Town goal and again shot across Brennan into the far corner giving the keeper no chance. Heartbreaking for Town to go a goal down in injury time, but once again the teams attitude shone through, after 95 minutes Shelmerdine skipped down the Bacup right, cut into the penalty area and his shot on goal was parried for a corner by Lewis. Blades took the corner crossing deep to the far post, there was strong appeals from the Town players for a penalty when a Bacup defender fisted the ball clear. The ball didn't go too far though and Russell Clarke moving forward with the ball was upended for a penalty. Barrett stepped up and although the keeper guessed correctly which way to go the shot had to much power for him and into the back of the net.
Town have now gone ten games unbeaten in the league, and with the injury list slowly clearing can look forward with anticipation to the oncoming games. The result tonight was probably just about right after an excellent display from both teams.

Bootle 3 v Barnoldswick Town 3

It was good to leave a dismal cloudy Barnoldswick for the bright sunshine of Bootle, Town hoping to extend their run of ten matches unbeaten in the league. For this match Chris Brennan continued in goal with both Billy Carrington and Mark Crossley unavailable. Also unavailable was Jack Overson who picked up an injury early on in the Bacup game last Tuesday night. A bonus for the Town was the appearance of Liam Garbutt on the substitutes bench for the first time since he was injured in a pre-season game.
Town began facing a strongish breeze blowing down the ground. Town struggled to get the ball into the Bootle half as Bootle pressed early in the game, the first attempt at goal coming in the 8th minute when Liam Loughlin for Bootle picked up the ball on the edge of the Town penalty area and firing his shot against the Town post before it was cleared. Town however took the lead after 14 minutes, the ball was played to Aaron Hollindrake in the centre circle, he moved clear of two defenders and played a great ball to Lewis Jordan who was unmarked. Jordan took the ball on and easily slipped the ball wide of Mark Mawdsley to open Town's account.
The next few minutes was spent with both teams trying to attack with vigour only for the respective defence's easily repelling any threat.
Bootle won a corner after 25 minutes Sean Coulton the Bootle centre half rising unchallenged headed just past the far post. Town hit back with a good cross from Shaun Clough across the penalty area, Jordan just unable to get onto the end of it.
Coulton again threatened from a corner heading the ball down towards goal, the ball hit a divot and changed course but Brennan was equal to it in the Town goal. Stewart Airdrie then combined with Robbie Smith but the midfielder's shot was straight at Mawdsley in the Bootle goal.
With five minutes left to halftime Kenny Strickland picked the ball up in midfield for Town moved forward towards goal but his shot was just wide of the upright.
Right on halftime Bootle exerted pressure on the Town goal winning two corners in succession, Ronald Morgan shooting just wide across goal from the 2nd.
Bootle came out for the 2nd half in determined mood, putting the Town defence under constant pressure. Liam Blades did well to work across the Town penalty area to the leftback position to clear a dangerous move at the expense of a corner.
A minute later Brennan in the Town goal saved a fierce shot that was destined for the top corner, the ball was only half cleared to Loughlin who got a shot at goal away, Brennan again leaping to tip over the bar a great save.
Two minutes later (53mins) and Bootle drew level, Clough bringing a Bootle player down just inside the penalty area, Mark Kilroy the Bootle rightback easily putting it away. Worse was to follow two minutes later as Jamie Hay on the edge of the Town penalty area with his back to goal, picked up the ball turned and unleashed a tremendous shot into the top corner of Brennan's net giving him no chance.
Town responded when Airdrie chased a long clearance from Brennan into the Bootle penalty area but his left foot shot although on target wasn't strong enough to trouble Mawdsley.
Town then conceded a third goal after 71 minutes in what can only be described as a horror show from the Town defence. The ball was initially given away which threw the whole defence into confusion and out of position, a Bootle forward picked up the loose ball and got his shot away but it was blocked on the 6 yard line, rebounding to Loughlin who hammered it home from close range.
Two minutes later and it was the turn of Coulton to make a huge mistake, the ball was played into the Bootle penalty area where Coulton under no real pressure headed the ball back across his own area to the unmarked Robbie Smith who gratefully headed home from 12 yards to give Town a chance of saving the match.
Town immediately made a brave double substitution taking off both fullbacks Blades and Clough (73 minutes) bringing on Paul Barrett and Joe Shelmerdine.
Bootle had a great chance to go further ahead when Kevin Black fired wide from a good position after 76 minutes. Five minutes later Bill Williams cleared of the goalline as Bootle pressed forward. The game then turned on it's head after 83 minutes, a glorious through ball put Jordan clear of the bootle defence, Coulton tripped him just inside the penalty area. The Referee had no option but to award the penalty and send the offending Coulton off. Barrett stepped up for the penalty making no mistake. Town were now in the driving seat and with a little more luck and composure would have surely have gained all three points as they swarmed all over the Bootle defence.
Two points lost but one point gained and the unbeaten run extended to 11 matches. Good to see that the substitutes bench was full of quality with Neil Chapman, Spencer Jordan not risked after picking up injuries in earlier fixtures.

Barnoldswick Town Res 1 v Glossop North End Res 2

A disappointing result given the first half performance when Town were in the ascendancy. The first time this season Town have been able to name the same 16 for consecutive games. Town were attacking the Barn end in the first half and Whelan again was looking dangerous down the right and had the measure of the full back. It was he who missed the first chance when a diagonal ball was played forward to his foot and he missed the target. He then got in again and crossed but Coates just failed to convert and glanced his header wide. At the third time of asking Whelan then whipped in a tremendous ball which Mousley finished with a header back across the keeper into the far corner. Town should have been further in front when Coates, Halliwell and Whelan all missed chances when in very good positions. It all looked like Town would go in a goal up when a lapse in concentration saw a hopeful free kick from the half way line drop over Cullen's head and into the top corner.
Town came out in the second half and couldn't maintain their dominance from the first period. They were still creating chances though but it was Glossop who took the lead when the Referee made a poor decision on Town's right and the resultant free kick was glanced in by the smallest man on the pitch at the front post. Town came out and attacked with a little more purpose and with better finishing should have at least drawn level. It wasn't to be in the end and Town travel to Bootle next week hoping to get straight back on track.

Barnoldswick Town 3 v Padiham 2

Town welcomed Jack Overson back into the team after injury, and Billy Carrington back in goal after a three match suspension.
Town started well and a free kick out wide was played to Robbie Smith who rolled it sideways to Jack Overson whose shot was blocked just inside the Padiham penalty area, the ball broke free to Paul Barrett but his shot curled just over the bar.
Padiham's first attempt at goal came after 9 minutes when a cross from wide on the Town left found Richard Geoghegan free just inside the Town box, his side footed shot had Carrington diving to save.
A Liam Blades corner after 11 minutes was only half cleared and Robert Grimes managed to get a shot in but it was straight at Sean Davis in the Padiham goal. This was quickly followed by another Blades corner this time Bill Williams heading just over the bar from on the 6 yard line.
Chances were hard to come by but a poor backpass to Carrington had the Town keeper scrambling to clear as Stuart Telfor closed in. Town took the lead two minutes later, a great ball out of defence to Barrett saw him reach the ball ten yards outside the penalty area, Davis and a defender reached the ball almost simultaneously but Barrett coolly flicked the ball to one side and slotted home.
Town should have gone further ahead three minutes later when a Padiham corner was cleared to Blades, his cross was a good one but Smith's shot was saved by the keeper when he should have really done better.
Town were exerting a lot of pressure on the Padiham defence, Shaun Clough penetrating the Padiham defence at will going past the fullback his cross was dummied by Lewis Jordan, the ball ended up at the feet of Barrett whose shot was blocked, the ball spun away to Aaron Hollindrake and his shot too was blocked by desperate defenders throwing themselves at the ball.
Two minutes later and another Clough cross found Barrett in a good position but the shot couldn't match the cross and it was cleared.
Padiham went forward and won a corner, the ball was half cleared back to Thomas Bradley the taker, his next cross was cleared by Williams from inside the 6 yard area to safety.
Right on halftime Christopher Ridehalgh the Padiham No. 8 beat the offside trap but Carrington came out of goal to save the day, clearing the ball right off his feet as he threatened the equaliser.
Town went in at halftime 1 goal up, but it only took Padiham two minutes of the second half to equalise. A poor defensive header let in Paul Fildes, his shot from just outside the penalty area flew into the top corner of Carrington's net, a great strike. He had another chance five minutes later, moving wide of the Town goal his shot back across goal from the edge of the 6 yard area went wide of the far post.
Town took the lead again after 54 minutes, Blades again put in a great cross the ball running free to Smith who rolled it sideways into the path od Lewis Jordan, he curled a fantastic shot over the keepers outstretched hand and over the fullback on the line into the top far corner, a sublime goal.
Three minutes later and Padiham were level, failure to clear the ball saw Fildes tripped in the penalty area, he got up to easily score the penalty.
Padiham could have gone ahead after 62 minutes but Russell Clarke blocked a goalbound shot on the 6 yard line to safety.
Town then made a double substitution, Barrett and Hollindrake off (67 minutes) with Neil Chapman and Spencer Jordan coming on.
Robert Grimes pushing forward in midfield found Overson on the edge of the Padiham penalty area, his fierce shot was headed off the line by Bradley with the keeper beaten. Town were now in the ascendancy, a Blades corner was dropped by Davis inside the 6 yard box, Russell Clarke fired in a pointblank shot but it cannoned off a Padiham defender on the line and dropped fortunately for Padiham into the keeper arms as he lay on the floor.
Town kept the pressure up and a long clearance by Carrington saw Chapman break clear just wide of the penalty area but with the keeper off his line his shot went wide of the target.
Padiham had a good chance after 75 minutes when a cross came in and Ridehalgh headed towards the top corner, Carrington leaping to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.
Another chance for Town after 77 minutes with the Padiham defence nowhere to be seen Lewis Jordan managed to block a Neil Chapman shot that was destined for the Padiham net, it looked like it was going to be one of those games where the ball just won't cross the line, and another draw for the Town. A Blades corner was fizzed across the Padiham penalty area and Lloyd Balazs under pressure from Williams saw his clearance whiz past his own post by a whisker.
Eventually the pressure told, another Blades cross caused all sorts of trouble in the Padiham defence, Smith ghosting in at the far post to head home, Town claiming all three points.
A good win in another closely competed derby match. The crowd must have gone home satisfied with the performance by the home team.

Barnoldswick Town 2 v Maine Road 0

Maine Road came to Barnoldswick as the only team to beat them in the last 14 matches so a keen encounter was envisaged. Town were without the services of Daniel Caton and Jack Overson through injury but the bench was extremely strong with Spencer Jordan, Liam Garbutt, Neil Chapman all making their way back after spells out through injury.
Both teams started off well passing the ball around, the first shot at goal came after 3 minutes from Maine Road's Captain Declan O'Shea who fired straight at Billy Carrington from the edge of the penalty area. Town replied when a six man passing movement saw Lewis Jordan put through on goal, Andrew Jones the Maine Road keeper having to race to the edge of his penalty area to just nick the ball from his toes as he closed in. A great run down the Maine Road left into the penalty area by Kenneth Strickland saw Maine Road's Captain Alexander Jay blocking the cross at the expense of a corner.
Town took the lead after 31 minutes, Liam Blades who seemed to be struggling to get his usually accurate crosses over, sent over a gem just into the 6 yard area, Paul Barrett coming in easily scored with a well placed header.
Robert Grimes working well in midfield then burst into the Maine Road penalty area, weaving his way past two defenders his shot was deflected into the arms of Jones in goal. Maine Road countered by winning a freekick just outside the Town penalty area, Liam Beckford rolling the ball to fullback Stephen Cheetham who moved forward and unleashed a fierce shot that Carrington had to tip over the bar for a corner.
Town should have gone further ahead when Barrett was put through on goal but Jones took the ball from his feet as he tried to go round him. Steven Hibbert then threatened for Maine Road working his way across the Town penalty area before shooting for goal, Carrington again having to tip the ball over for a corner.
Town went in at half time well worth being a goal up. It took them three minutes of the second half to notch their second. Blades played a great ball into the penalty area to Aaron Hollindrake, he quickly brought the ball under control and slipped it to Lewis Jordan who eagerly tapped home from two yards out.
After the first half where play was mostly confined to the midfield area's the game started to open up with both sides putting together some fine moves. Robbie Smith saw his header pushed round the post by Jones and Strickland put Barrett through on goal, Jones again coming out to take the ball from his feet. While at the other end Carrington again tipped the ball over as substitute Matthew Huntley fired in a fierce shot. Carrington was again brought into the action fisting clear a freekick taken by Edward Moran. Town then took Grimes off (75 mins) bringing on Neil Chapman, and Blades off (78 mins) bringing on Spencer Jordan.
Maine Road won a corner on the Town left with eleven minutes left, Cheetham managing to get a shot on from it, the ball was cleared but picked up by a Maine Road player and crossed into the Town box, O'Shea heading the ball straight into Carrington's arms.
Then with ten minutes remaining the sight that all Town fans had wanted to see all season, Liam Garbutt came on as a substitute for Barrett to a great cheer from the home crowd as he made his first appearance of the season after an injury pre season.
The game ended without further chances being created, but a satisfactory performance from town who have now extended their unbeaten league run to 13 games. Who said thirteen was an unlucky number? Paul Barrett has now scored in his last 5 matches along with Lewis Jordan in his last three.

Bootle Res 2 v Barnoldswick Town Res 1

Town went into the game at near full strength, with just Chew and Clark unavailable.  Paul Sconce made his debut for Town at the heart of the defence partnering Liam Britton.  Town started the game finding it hard to get going and Bootle had the better of the exchanges before Kieran Lee had a header cleared off the line and then Halliwell hit the follow up straight into the arms of the grateful keeper.  Then Bootle took the lead when a cross found its way to the centre forward who finished with ease past the helpless Brennan.  Town then fell further behind when a free kick was swung in from the left and headed in by the unmarked centre forward.  Town made a change with Bancroft coming on at right back to add a bit of bite into the tackle.  Halliwell then went close again when he cut in from the left and fired in a great shot which the keeper palmed over the bar.
  Town went in at half time 2-0 down and just about deserving to.  They came out in the second half and started to attack.  Bootle it has to be said had settled for what they had and invited Town forward.  It wasn't until Ben Harrison's challenge on the Bootle full back broke the lads leg, which I have to say was a good challenge and in no way a malicious one, did Town start to really grab the game by the scruff of the neck.  Town got their reward when Kieran Lee scored his first goal for the club in a difficult week for an excellent young man.  Then Town really started to dominate with the introduction of Russell and Bell.  Whelan started to see more of the ball and was causing problems for the Bootle rearguard.  The captain and centre half for Bootle was guilty of a very bad challenge on Whelan which probably merited more than the yellow card shown.  Russell had a great chance when Whelan broke down the right and pulled the ball back to Russell who swivelled and shot, the keeper to his credit pulled off a great save down to his right.  Time ran out on the Town fight back though and Town need to bounce back this week against Ashton Town at home.
  With the away games coming thick and fast now though Town really need to toughen up and defend better when they are not playing well.  So when they do come into the game they aren't 2 goals down.

Team Brennan,Gaskell(Bancroft),Ellerton,Sconce,Britton,Lee,Harrison,Halliwell,Brown(Bell),Whelan,Coates(Russell).Subs not used-M.Harrison,Cavanagh.

Silsden AFC 1 v Barnoldswick Town 2

Town still had Jack Overson struggling with a slight injury so he was confined to the bench for this eagerly awaited derby match. Town started the better Bill Williams playing a great ball over Robert Barraclough to Shaun Clough to run onto, his cross was only partially cleared to the far side, Liam Blades picked up the ball and drilled it back into the penalty area but the Silsden defence held firm and cleared.
Silsden then had a great let off after 3 minutes when Robert Grimes was bursting through past Barraclough towards a one on one situation with Chris Thompson in the Silsden goal, he blatantly handled the ball to stop him, Referee Street blew for a Town free kick but the defender got away scot free. Town were in a mean mood and a minute later Aaran Hollindrake had a close range shot charged over the bar by Thompson from almost on the goal line.
Silsden hit back after 6 minutes when Billy Carrington had to come out swiftly to block Steven Palfrey on the edge of the penalty area after he had managed to get in behind the Town defence.
Town were well on top in the early exchanges, Spencer Jordan laid the ball back to Robbie Smith on the edge of the penalty area but his shot was just over the bar. Another Town raid down the Silsden right saw Clough put in a good cross, the ball was half cleared and Neil Chapman had the ball taken off his foot as he tried a shot from 6 yards out.
After 18 minutes there was another contentious incident in the Silsden penalty area, the ball came across from the Town right and Martin Bland hacked Spencer Jordan down in the area but once again the Referee gave nothing. Two minutes later and Jordan wriggled his way through but once again Thompson saved the day with his legs at the expense of a corner.
Silsden were pegged back in defence for most of the first half, when they did break Williams was equal to anything they produced.
Good work between Hollindrake and Clough saw the ball played to Paul Barrett but his curling shot was taken comfortably by Thompson. A late scare for Town with 6 minutes of the half remaining saw Palfrey get behind the Town defence, Carrington racing out of goal blocked the shot, the ball cannoning back onto the striker for a goal kick. Town had a penalty claim turned down at the end of the first half when a Silsden player looked to handle clear after a corner.
Town started the second half well, Grimes bursting through again towards the byline pulling the ball back to Smith on the edge of the penalty area but he shot just over the bar. Silsden then started to impose themselves more on the game. Williams made a brilliant tackle on Palfrey as it looked like he had got past him. Two minutes later (51) Silsden took the lead, Andrew Lee the nippy Silsden winger got in behind the Town defence easily scoring past the advancing Carrington. It looked like Town would regret all the chances they had missed in the first half as the Town defence was again carved wide open by the quick Silsden attack, this time the attacker shot wide.
To try to change things Town brought on Liam Garbutt to replace Paul Barrett (58). The game opened up more, the best move of the match between 5 Town players ended up with the ball played to Smith just inside the penalty area but his shot was again just over the bar. Play swung to the other end and Carrington made a great save from McNally as he got through on goal. Town changed things again bringing on Stewart Airdrie for Clough (75). Chapman picked the ball up on the Silsden left and dribbles across the area but his final shot was wide of the target. A cross from the Silsden left by Blades deep into the penalty area was turned back across the face of the goal, first Jordan had a stab at it from 3 yards out but only managing to send it further across the penalty area towards Chapman, he stretched out a leg but could only turn it over the bar. At this point it looked like it was going to be one of those nights when the ball just won't go in.
However this was not to be, with 6 minutes remaining the hardworking Hollindrake picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and smashed a great shot into the top corner giving Thompson no chance. This gave Town a new impetus and they poured forward for the winner. This duly came when Robbie Smith scored a penalty in the last minute after Airdrie had been pulled down in the penalty area.
Probably the right result on the night but a closely fought contest nevertheless. This stretches Town's unbeaten league run to 14 matches and takes them to 5th in the table.

Runcorn Linnets 1 v Barnoldswick Town 3

For this important away match Town were without the services of Shaun Clough and Lewis Jordan through work commitments, Liam Blades moving to leftback, Jack Overson coming in at rightback. Liam Garbutt making his first start of the season up front with Aaron Hollindrake.
The pitch was a little on the heavy side after the rain, with drizzle coming down in short bursts in the first half, so the ball zipped across the wet turf.
Runcorn kicked off and attacked Town down their left flank, Billy Carrington quickly out to gather the ball, his long kick eluded the Runcorn defence allowing Hollindrake to nip in behind them to open the scoring after two minutes. Town were next to show after nine minutes when after a good move down the Runcorn left Hollindrake tried a snapshot from the edge of the area but it was straight at Damien Eastham in the Runcorn goal.
Runcorn's first serious attempt on the Town goal came after fifteen minutes, Overson blocking a dangerous cross for a corner. The corner was cleared by the Town defence but only at the expense of another. This one was only partially cleared by a weak header towards the edge of the Town penalty area, Robert Bodie picked up the loose ball and calmly curled it past the Town defence towards the bottom right corner, he promptly put his hand up as though he had scored, then clasped it to his head as Robert Grimes came from nowhere to clear the ball off the line, a magnificent clearance.
Both teams were playing attractive football on the heavy pitch, Blades tried to play Garbutt in with a deft pass over the top of the central defenders, but the ball skipped quickly off the wet turf and Eastham was able to gather the ball from his feet.
At the other end Gerrard Courtney had a good chance just inside the Town penalty area but he hooked his shot wide of the far post. Town were stringing together good passing movements, Overson, Grimes combining to put Garbutt through on goal, once again Eastham came out to take the ball off his toes. Another good passing movement involving seven Town players after 35 minutes saw Grimes shoot from just outside the penalty area but it drifted just wide of the target.
Then with three minutes to halftime Town got their second goal, the pressure had been slowly building on the Runcorn defence and they were unable to clear the ball, Robbie Smith pounced on it six yards out hammering it home.
Town nearly paid the penalty for poor play at the start of the second half. Town took the kick off and conceded a freekick straight away, the ball in eluded the Town defence and a Runcorn forward should really have scored from close in but failed to get a foot on it when only three yards out. The Town defence then came under pressure from the Runcorn forwards as they pressed for a goal that would bring them back into the match. Bodie cracking a great shot from 30 yards out towards the corner of Carrington's goal after 58 minutes, Carrington though dived full length tipping the ball round the post for a corner.
Town then substituted the hard working Liam Garbutt (66) bringing on the inform Paul Barrett. Almost immediately Hollindrake broke through the Runcorn defence, Eastham again was just quick enough to take the ball from under his feet. Robbie Smith was substituted after 75 minutes after taking a heavy tackle, Joe Shelmerdine coming on. Immediately Shelmerdine had an impact on the game with his strong runs down the Runcorn left, slipping the ball to Overson his cross was only half cleared, the ball unfortunately for Town cannoned back off Chapman for a goal kick. After 84 minutes Town goal the all important 3rd goal, Shelmerdine again went on one of his mazy runs, drew the defence towards him then played Barrett in who had drifted into the penalty area unmarked, his fierce shot was only parried by Eastham who could only turn and watch as the ball dropped under the bar, great goal. In the final minute Blades tried his luck from 25 yards out but it was straight at the keeper. The ball was cleared upfield and Carrington had to save from a Lee Hammond shot that was on target. Town breaking the final minutes play up brought on Craig Bradshaw for Hollindrake (90) who had run his socks off all the match. Shelmerdine again running at the Runcorn defence played Bradshaw in on goal, he appeared to stumble slightly as he went into the penalty area which may have caused him to drag his shot wide of the far post. With the Referee playing 6 minutes injury time there was still time for Hammond to get another shot at Carrington's goal which went wide, before Blades upended Thomas Lamb in the penalty area. Lamb getting up and tucking the ball into the net for a consolation goal.
Town move up to 4th in the table, extending their unbeaten league run to 15 games. This may change as teams around them have midweek games. A good solid performance again from all the players, but one to single out possibly was Robert Grimes who was absolutely magnificent in midfield, passing, tackling and allround endeavour he had the lot today.

Barnoldswick Town Res 7 v Ashton Town Res 3

Town went into the game with 3 changes to last weeks back, with Chew, Cavanagh and Harrison all coming in.  The midfield saw Britton back in pulling the strings with Kieran Lee and Halliwell.  Up top saw Mousley, Whelan and Bell.  Town started brightly passing the ball well and keeping the ball for long spells and soon went 1-0 up when Chew converted Whelans corner.  Carl Ellerton then went on a mazy run and was felled in the area, which Whelan dispatched the penalty with ease.  Town were creating chances and playing neat football reverting back to the two touch football which they were playing at the start of the season.  Chew limped off with a hamstring strain and was replaced by Bancroft.  Town then went 3-0 up when Mousley intercepted a pass from the keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net.  Bell had a good chance just after but a last ditch header off the line from the Ashton defender saw Town go into the interval 3-0 to the good.  Town came out in the second half and gave a very sloppy goal away when Cavanagh at full stretch flicked a long free kick into his own net.
  The home side restored their three goal advantage when Harrison finished with a good right footed shot.  Kieran Lee made it 5 soon after when he won 3 50-50 tackles with the last being one with the keeper.  Russell and Brown came on for Whelan and Mousley.  Russell got himself on the score sheet after some neat football between himself and Bell down Ashton’s right when he opened up his body and curl the ball into the far corner.  At 6-1 Town took their foot off the gas and Ashton scored a couple of consolation goals only for Halliwell to smash home from fully 25 yards. 
  A good win for Town as Ashton took a point at Padiham the previous week.

Barnoldswick Town 3 v Stone Dominoes 1

Town made one change from last weeks team at Runcorn, Liam Garbutt moving back to the substitutes bench with Paul Barrett starting up front with Aaron Hollindrake. This was expected to be a hard match with Stone having pipped Town to the 1st Division Championship last season by a single point and knocking them out of the Cup as well.
The game started off well for Town as they pressed the Stone defence from the kick off, but the first pot at goal came from Stone's James Curley who broke free inside the left side of Town's penalty area striking his fierce shot into the side netting of Billy Carrington's goal.
Town continued to press relentlessly forward, Hollindrake brought the ball down neatly just inside the Stone penalty area, side stepping a defenders lunging tackle his shot towards the far post curling into the hands of Barry Weston in the Stone goal. The pressure was telling on the Stone defence as they started to concede corner after corner. First Russell Clarke headed over the bar as the corner was played towards the far post. Then a Liam Blades corner after 13 minutes on the Stone left was met by the head of Bill Williams lurking near the edge of the penalty area, his thumping header sailed over Weston towards the top corner, Liam Rigby stood on the goal line leapt up to head the ball clear. Four minutes later Spencer Jordan made one of his trademark runs into the penalty area, his cross along the 6 yard line saw both Hollindrake and Barrett go for the ball and seem to get in each others way, the ball ending up going for a goal kick, but nevertheless a good chance. Town were making good progress down both flanks with Blades and Jack Overson causing problems for the Stone defence, Overson neatly went past three defenders after 18 minutes before drilling a cross along the 6 yard line, Weston having to dive full length to palm the ball away, Hollindrake picked the ball up and found Barrett, his shot was blocked by a desperate tackle, the ball rebounding to Spencer Jordan on the edge of the penalty area, his shot too was blocked this time to safety. Stone's first real shot at goal came in the 25th minute when Daniel Stockall tried his luck from outside the box, Clarke heading clear. The ball was swiftly picked up by Robert Grimes who fed Overson down the Stone left, his cross once again had Weston diving full length to save.
Stone's next chance came after 32 minutes when a Carrington clearance cannoned off a Stone player back towards the Town goal, Williams heading clear. Stone then had their best period of the game, Blades having to track back to concede a corner as Andrew Mathews tried to cross from the bye line. The corner was cleared for another corner as Curley got a shot away. The corner was cleared halfway inside the Town half on their right,as the ball was played back in the Town defence had gone AWOL as three ort four Stone players were completely left unmarked around the 6 yards area, Andrew Bourne having a simple tap at the back post in to open the scoring. Town responded straight away Spencer Jordan cutting into the penalty area and had Weston diving full length again to keep the ball out. Neil Chapman then shot over from just inside the penalty area.
The second half started off with Town again on top but not really creating any danger to the Stone goal, in fact Stone had a good shout for a penalty as Carrington appeared to bring down a Stone forward, the Referee who was in close attendance waving play on. Grimes then fed Overson whose cross was headed over his own bar by Bourne with Hollindrake in close attendance. More good work down the Stone left saw Spencer Jordan get to the bye line and pull the ball back across goal, the ball eluding three Town players in the box as it ran to safety. Grimes then forced his way past three defenders before slipping a neat ball through to Hollindrake, Weston again thwarting Town with another good save. The pressure eventually told on the Stone defence after 65 minutes when once again the ball was played through to Hollindrake inside the penalty area left side of goal, this time he made no mistake rifling his shot past Weston into the near corner. Bourne at the other end picked up a Stone freekick just outside the Town penalty area, after controlling the ball well he turned but his shot was high and wide. Town's pressure again paid off after 71 minutes, Chapman putting hollindrake through to easily score past Weston who had no chance of stopping his shot. Town then brought on Lewis Jordan (75) taking Barrett off. Stone had a lucky escape when Hollindrake was pulled down on the halfway line as he raced past Adam Edwards, only Weston was in the Stone half at the time, the Referee showing a yellow card when most thought a red was more appropriate. With 10 minutes left Gareth Mayer the Stone centre half threw himself into a tackle three yards out to stop Hollindrake getting his hat trick, injuring himself in the process the ball going for a corner. A minute later Spencer Jordan broke through and appeared to be brought down from behind well inside the penalty area but again the Referee waved aside penalty claims. Joe Shelmerdine came on with three minutes left replacing Hollindrake, he immediately picked up the ball and played a great ball to Robbie Smith inside the box, the advancing Weston blocking his shot with his feet. Running time down Town brought on Liam Garbutt with a minute left of normal time taking Spencer Jordan off. Straight away Town scored their third goal, a cross from the Stone left found it's way to Lewis Jordan at the far post, he stooped to head past Weston rom just inside the 6 yard line to seal the victory for Town.
Sixteen games now unbeaten in the league Town move up to 5th in the table, a break from the league next week when Town entertain Irlam in the 2nd round of the Vodkat Challenge Cup.

Ashton Athletic Res 0 v Barnoldswick Town Res 5

Town came into this game after a high scoring game against Ashton Town the week before.  Chris Brennan, Josh Garvey, Bancroft all started their first games for a couple of weeks.  Apart from that Town only had Chew out with a hamstring injury so nigh on a full strength side for what could turn out to be a pivotal result in Town's season.
  Town started the brighter passing well with the hard working Mousley up front running the Ashton Athletic backline ragged at times.  Town had to make an early change when Ellerton had to be replaced for Brown when he turned his ankle after 10 minutes.  Town then went 1-0 up after good work from Brown and Mousley.  Mousley played the ball to the lurking Halliwell who side stepped a defender and finished well to the keepers right.  There was cause for concern when Ashton won a series of free kicks when their dangerous winger Elliot Marshall got at the Town backline.  The set pieces were repelled and Town should really have gone in three goals to the good when Mousley missed two glorious chances and Halliwell another.  Bancroft also went off injured with a twisted ankle as well just before half time being replaced by Whelan. 
  After Half time Ashton penned Town back for a sustained assault but found a resolute defence on top form.  Cavanagh and Garvey were outstanding at the heart of the defence with Bell and Ben Harrison also in a mean mood.  Harrison deserves special praise for stopping Marshall who was Ashtons main danger.  After weathering the storm Mousley got Town's second with a superb counter attacking goal.  He cooly finished after a great ball through from Halliwell.  Town made it 3 when substitute Matt Harrison cooly followed up a Mousley strike.  It was soon 4 when the excellent Halliwell grabbed his second cooly lobbing the keeper from 25 yards.  Town weren't finished there though when the move of the match made it 5. Ben Harrison started the move with a quick pass into the middle to Lee who released Mousley down the right and he crossed to the on rushing Whelan to crisply strike home off the post.  The pace of the goal stood out as there were only 6 touches between the Town 18 yard line and the ball being in the Ashton net. 
  The best performance of the season so far from an improving Town.  Daisy Hill in the cup next week.  I would also like to praise Chris Gaskell as the new assistant, he has been a breath of fresh air and stepped up to the plate after a difficult couple of weeks.  The attitude and the will to win was excellent in this encounter long may it comtinue.

Team-Brennan,Bancroft(Whelan),Ellerton(Brown)(M.Harrison),Garvey,Cavanagh,Britton(C),Lee,Halliwell,Mousley,Bell,B.Harrison.
subs not used-Russell,Coates.

Vodkat Challenge Cup 2nd Round

Barnoldswick Town 3 v Irlam 4 aet

Town made changes for this cup match, Skipper Russell Clarke was suspended so Shaun Clough came back into the team at left back, Jack Overson moving into the middle with Bill Williams. Chris Brennan came into goal replacing the unavailable Billy Carrington, Liam Garbutt and Joe Shelmerdine both started up front and new signing from Ramsbottom United Michael Morrison was on the subs bench. This would be a good test for Town as Irlam had knocked Colne out of the FA Vase earlier in the season.
It was Town who showed first, Shelmerdine cleverly tricking his way past a defender inside the penalty area got his shot away towards the far corner, Chris Petrou in the Irlam goal going full stretch to make the save. The game was swinging from end to end a chance falling to Irlam's Ashley Kelly who got in behind the Town's defence but he screwed his shot just wide of the post. Almost immediately Paul Barrett at the other end was released through on goal but he stumbled just as he got inside the penalty area Petrou able to come off his line and make the save.
A real scare for Town after 9 minutes when Clough tried to shield the ball out for a goalkick, Dean Tymon robbing him of the ball crossed towards the Town penalty spot, Kelly getting a fierce shot away but it was just too high. Irlam threatened again 3 minutes later when Daniel Butters was left all alone down the Town left, his cross to the near post had Brennan and Williams scrambling to cut the ball out as an Irlam forward closed in.
Town responded when they were awarded a freekick just outside the Irlam penalty area, Neil Chapman took the kick which was blocked inside the penalty area, the ball fell kindly to Lewis Jordan whose shot was blocked by a desperate tackle, again the ball fell kindly to a Town forward this time Shelmerdine, his shot was just wide of the far post..
It was an all action tie, Tymon raced past Clough into the penalty area, Brennan having to save at the near post. Clough made his mark at the other end getting in down the Irlam right and crossing along the 6 yard line where Petrou managed to fist the ball off Barrett's head to safety.
Dean Tymon who showed up well for Irlam cut in from the Town left and hit a shot against the Town bar and over for a goalkick. Tymon and Kelly then combined to cause problems in the Town defence, Williams making a last ditch tackle to save the day 3 yards out. A 10 minute spell of Irlam pressure saw Town having to pull out the stops in defence as first Myerscough, Kelly and Palmer all had chances blocked by good defending. Then just before halftime it was Town's turn to assert themselves in attack, a good flowing move found Shelmerdine on the Irlam left, he cut in and managed to get his shot away bringing Petrou into another good save. With 3 minutes to halftime Shelmerdine again got in this time on the Irlam right, his cross along the 6 yard line eluded 3 Town players who were just a stride away from scoring. The pressure told a minute later when Spencer Jordan picked the ball up wide left, slipped the ball through to Barrett inside the penalty area, he in turn dummied the defender and threaded the perfect ball to Garbutt who moved two paces to his left and struck his shot into the far bottom corner with Petrou left stranded.
Town started the second half off well, Blades and Barrett combining to put Lewis Jordan through but the Irlam keeper was just quicker to the ball to make the save. Town kept the pressure up and Garbutt on the Irlam right got a good cross in which was half cleared to the edge of the penalty area where Chapman steadied himself but volleyed over the bar from a good opportunity. Blades who had started to get forward more got a good cross in to the near post where Petrou saved on the goalline from Garbutt. Town then brought new signing Michael Morrison on (60) at the expense of Garbutt. He had his first taste of the action 3 minutes later when another Blades cross to the near post was cut out again by Petrou as he closed in two yards out. Town then made two more substitutions with Robbie Smith replacing Barrett after 65 minutes and 3 minutes later Robert Grimes coming on for Shelmerdine. It was all hands to the pump for the Irlam defenders as first a Lewis Jordan shot was palmed for a corner, from the corner the ball fell in the Irlam 6 yard area, Jordan having a stab at the ball but it was blocked, the ball rebounded to Smith whose shot was blocked two yards out to safety.
Irlam then scored the equaliser after 75 minutes, a dangerous ball into the Town penalty area was controlled by an Irlam forward and pulled back to Tymon who shot across Brennan into the far corner. Town responded when Lewis Jordan was put through on the edge of the penalty area but his shot was high wide and not very handsome. That was the last action of the second half and extra time ensued.
Town fell behind for the first time in the match after just two minutes of extra time, Kelly getting to the ball before Brennan and slipping the ball past him. Irlam kept up the momentum and Brennan had to be alert to stop a shot from Palmer who was looking increasingly dangerous. Williams then made a brilliant double block to stop Irlam going further in front and if that wasn't enough he turned up at the other end in the last minute of the first half to head home the equaliser.
All to play for in the remaining 15 minutes, Grimes made a good run down the Irlam left crossing to the near post with 8 minutes left on the clock, Smith coming in at the near post slid the ball home from two yards out to put Town back into the lead. This lead only lasted 3 minutes as Palmer 35 yards from goal way out on the Town right unleashed a fantastic shot that literally flew into Brennan's top far corner, a brilliant strike to make the score 3-3. Whether this knocked the stuffing out of Town we will never know as with the clock ticking away and a replay looking likely the ball was played along the Town defence down their left, the ball in caught the Town defence out an Irlam player in behind pulled the ball back to Tymon who hammered the ball past Brennan for the winner. With that went Town's chance of progressing into the next round. Good luck to Irlam who played well impressing a lot of the spectators with their fine flowing football style.
As for Town they played well in patches but cannot find the winning ways in the cups. It is 9 games unbeaten since maine Road knocked them out of the FA Vase so it will be interesting to see how they react next week at home to Ramsbottom.

Reserve Division Cup 1st Round

Daisy Hill Res v 3 Barnoldswick Town Res 6

Towns second string went into the game missing a few familiar faces with Chris Gaskell's stag do in Newcastle and injuries.  Out from the squad were Britton, Kieron Lee, Brown, Ellerton, Brennan and Coates.  In came Paul Howarth, Cullen, Sconce, Chew and a welcome return for Damon Clark.
  On a difficult playing surface Daisy hill made the brighter start in this cup clash.  To their credit they came out in the first 10 minutes and caused Town some early problems without creating anything clear cut.  Town took the lead on 10 minutes against the run of play when a sweeping move finished with Paul Howarth slipping a pass through the middle to Halliwell to coolly beat the keeper.  It was soon two when Russell's quick feet saw him skip past two defenders and smash home.  Town then made it 3 when Whelan drove down the right and whipped a great cross in and Mousley finished with a thumping header.  Town took their foot off the gas and Daisy Hill scored a goal just before half time with some very sloppy defending. 
  Town came out in the second half knowing the next goal would win the match, they duly obliged with three more, the fourth goal came when Halliwell made a surging run into the box and was fouled.  The ref pointed to the spot and Whelan made no mistake down to the keepers right.  Mousley made it 5 when he cut in from the left and hit a screamer into the far top corner.  Mousley finished off Town's scoring when Damon Clark unselfishly played a ball across goal to Mousley who made no mistake.  Daisy hill responded and got a goal back when they were awarded a harsh penalty with Cullen saving it and the follow up but the defence were slow to react and the striker scored at the third attempt.  More sloppy defending cost Town a third goal when Matt Harrison allowed his man to turn and shoot from the edge of the box.  The game finished 6-3 and Town have Glossop in the league next week in what could turn out to be crucial for their League campaign.  This win lines up a clash with Padiham in the quarter final of the league cup.

Team-Cullen,Sconce,Bell,(M.Harrison),Cavanagh,Garvey,Howarth,Harrison,
Halliwell(Clark),Mousley,Russell,Whelan(Chew).
sub not used-Bancroft.

Barnoldswick Town 2 v Ramsbottom United 1

Town made 4 changes to the team that lost to Irlam in the cup the previous Saturday. Billy Carrington replacing Chris Brennan in goal, Skipper Russell Clarke returning after a single match suspension. Joe Shelmerdine, Spencer Jordan, Jack Overson, Paul Barrett and ex Ramsbottom player Michael Morrison were on the bench. Aaron Hollindrake, Robbie Smith, Robert Grimes coming back into the starting line-up.
            The pitch was only passed fit for play around 1:40 due to heavy overnight rain, and persistant showers during the morning. Ramsbottom were the last team to beat Town in the league on the 10th August. Town stretching their unbeaten league run to 16 games after that and were looking to bounce back after defeat in the 7 goal thriller in the cup last Saturday.
The game started at a lively pace, Town the first to probe the Ramsbottom defence, Grimes getting in on their left but his cross was cut out at the near post by Grant Stenton in the Ramsbottom goal.
            Ramsbottom responded and a cross from the Town right had Carrington plucking the ball out of the air as the Ramsbottom forwards closed in.
            Liam Blades was causing one or two problems down the Ramsbottom left, after 6 minutes one of his crosses caused mayhem in the Ramsbottom 6 yard box, finally cleared as the Town forwards threatened. Ramsbottom forward Mark Drew took a free kick just outside the Town penalty area but it was sent just over the bar.
            Liam Garbutt who tormented the Ramsbottom defence all afternoon was brought down from behind by James Rothel, the freekick was pushed sideways to Grimes but the Ramsbottom defence managed to block the ensuing shot.
            Hollindrake then got into the action Daniel Warrender bringing him down. Blades took the freekick sending it skimming across 6 yard line along the wet turf, three Town forwards just failing to get the touch which surely would have produced a goal.
            On 20 minutes Blades took another corner and again it caused big problems in the Ramsbottom 6 yard box and cleared under immense pressure.
            Town had a lucky let off after 22 minutes, Jon Robinson managed to get goal side of Clarke but the ball cannoned off the advancing Carrington’s legs to safety
            Town took the lead 5 minutes later when another Blades run down the left saw his cross into the 6 yard box only half cleared towards the edge of the penalty area, Garbutt seizing the opportunity to slot it home through a ruck of players. At this point Town were in the ascendancy causing the Ramsbottom defence plenty of problems.
            Ramsbottom had a chance after 39 minutes when Dominic Smalley crossed the ball along the Town 6 yard line, the ball beating the Town defence but two Ramsbottom players at the far post were unable to take advantage.
            The first half ended with Town undoubtedly on top and was reminiscent of the previous encounter earlier in the season when Town won the first half but Ramsbottom the second and the match.
            Town again started the second half off well, a corner was headed back by Bill Williams into the danger area, Stenton saving at the foot of the post from Smith.
            Ramsbottom then began to search for the equaliser, a good cross into the Town box saw a Ramsbottom forward blaze the ball over the bar, while at the other end a Blades cross was fisted clear by Stenton as Garbutt closed in.
            Town then replaced Smith (67) bringing on Jack Overson, and were forced to replace Garbutt 3 minutes later when another tackle from behind made it impossible for him to carry on, Morrison coming on to face his old club. Lewis Jordan took the freekick just outside the penalty area, the ball was curled towards the top corner but Stenton leapt to make a magnificent save clawing the ball to safety.
            Ramsbottom then applied pressure to the Town defence, Blades, Clough, Clarke and Williams having their work cut out to repel the never ending onslaught from the Ramsbottom attack. This paid off after 78 minutes when a Ramsbottom forward got in behind the Town defence, Williams leant into him bringing him down from behind, penalty! Worse was to follow as he received a straight red card. Drew sending Carrington the wrong way to equalise.
            Town were really up against it now, down to 10 men and Ramsbottom on the rampage. As the end of the match drew closer Ramsbottom were beginning to push more men forward in search of a winner leaving themselves exposed at the back, but it was still the Town defence that had the most work to do. Carrington especially saving at point blank range when it looked all over a goal.
            As sometimes happens in football Town broke away with two minutes left on the clock, the ball was fed out to Neil Chapman on the Ramsbottom left, his cross eluded all the defenders on the 6 yard line and ended up at the feet of Hollindrake at the far post, he easily scored across Stenton into the far corner to put Town back in front. Town then took Chapman off (89) bringing Shelmerdine on. As is usual with this substitution Shelmerdine took a lot of pressure off the Town defence with his darting runs and general play holding the ball up in the oppositions half.
            The game ended with Ramsbottom on the attack, Carrington saving at the foot of the post.
            This stretched Town’s unbeaten league run to 17 games in the league, a hard fought encounter which was a credit to both teams in difficult conditions. Town moving above Ramsbottom into 3rd place on goal difference.

Barnoldswick Town 2 v Flixton 4

Town started this match without Skipper Russell Clarke, Robbie Smith & Spencer Jordan all unavailable and Liam Garbutt was on the substitutes bench after failing a late fitness test from the punishment he took from the Ramsbottom defence last week. But Town welcomed back Adam Hayton from his season in Western Australia with Sorrento, he took his place on the bench, Stewart Airdrie coming into the side for his first start in six weeks.
The pitch was still very heavy but not as bad as the week before, the groundstaff working long hours to make it playable.
The match started off with both sides playing at a high tempo as is customary in this league. Town were the first to show when Neil Chapman in the centre circle put a great ball in down the Flixton left with the outside of his right boot to Robert Grimes, he took the ball on to the edge of the penalty area and hit a low shot, the ball was deflected of a defenders boot wrong footing Andras Weber in the Flixton goal, spinning just inside his near post to put Town in front.
Flixton immediately upped their game, Kayde Coppin and Astely Mulholland the league's top goal scorer both sending shots just over the Town bar. Flixton should have equalised after 27 minutes, a cross from the Town left was only half cleared Aaron Hevingham the Flixton number 7 should have scored but somehow volleyed wide of the post from 8 yards out, a let off for Town but an ominous sign of things to come. A minutes later and Flixton were level, Mullholland was allowed too much room on the Town right, he quickly took the ball on and scored from the tightest of angles inside Billy Carrington's near post. Spurred on with the equaliser Coppin shot over the Town bar from the edge of the penalty area, Mulholland broke free again and crossed into the Town danger area the ball falling to Thomas Bailey his shot cleared off the line by Bill Williams.
Town picked the ball up and won a corner, Liam Blades finding Williams from it, but although he out jumped everyone in the area his header finished up on top of the net. Town had a little more urgency in their play, Barrett picking the ball up on the left cutting in and getting a powerful left foot shot away but it was just the wrong side of the post with Weber looking on.
Flixton continued to press and Carrington was called upon to make a good save from Bailey as once again the Town defence was slow to pick the attackers up.
Flixton took the lead in the last minute of the first half Mullholland again doing the damage easily scoring after the ball had rebounded off the inside of Carrington's left post.
Town equalised 4 minutes into the second half, a Stewart Airdrie shot was adjudged to have been handled by a Flixton player, Barrett stepping up to score from the resultant penalty off the inside of the post. Three minutes later Flixton were back in front Mulholland this time turning provider as Paul Pearson easily scored from his cross giving a frustrated Carrington no chance.
There seemed to be no way the Town defence could stop Mulholland as on the hour mark Carrington had to make another good save to stop him getting his hat trick.
Town's best chance came when Kevin McGrath made a mistake letting Aaron Hollindrake go past him, he took the ball round Weber but his shot from the tightest of angles was cleared from the line by a Flixton defender. Town then made a triple substitution, Shaun Clough, Lewis Jordan and Aaron Hollindrake making way for Adam Hayton, Joe Shelmerdine and Michael Morrison.
Although Hayton reminded the Town spectators of his silky skills it was still Flixton who looked the more likely to score, and with 9 minutes left Bailey was put in on the Town goal to easily score his sides fourth goal.
The run of 17 games unbeaten in the league had to end sometime, and there can be no grumbles as Flixton were probably the best side that has been to the Silentnight Stadium this season and fully deserved their win.

West Riding County Cup 2nd Round
Barnoldswick Town 0 v FC Halifax Town 5

Town went into this cuptie with Liam Blades, Robert Grimes and Bill Williams all out through suspensions, although cold the pitch had a little give in it.
The Town defence was opened up after only 3 minutes Billy Carrington had to come off his line to block a goalbound shot with his body. Town fell behind after 5 minutes when Halifax won a corner, the corner was only half cleared and when Scot Metcalfe put in a great cross Richard Marsshall completely unmarked in the Town 6 yards area easily scored past carrington.
Town were guilty for much of this game in giving the ball away to easily, and when they attacked it was always one pass too many instead of trying a shot at goal. Aaron Hollindrake in the 11th minute broke clear into the penalty area but instead of shooting played it across to Neil Chapman who lost the ball. A bizarre second goal for Halifax came after 21 minutes, Jack Overson made a timely tackle to concede a corner, the ball was headed away but fell to a Halifax forward who had a shot blocked, the ball was then cleared halfway inside the Town half, Scot Hogan saw Carrington well out of his goal and gently lobbed him to easily score.
Town's first goal shot on goal came after 23 minutes when Liam Garbutt tried his luck from just outside the penalty area but his shot curled wide of the near post. Two minutes later a good forceful run by Spencer Jordan saw him slip the ball to Hollindrake just inside the left hand edge of the Halifax penalty area, he shot with the outside of his boot curling a great shot just wide of the far post with Phil Senior in the Halifax goal watching. Town ere guilty again after 28 minutes when three players passed the ball along the edge of the Halifax penalty area eventually losing out, when one of them should have tried a shot at goal.
Halifax nearly increased their lead after 33minutes, a good through ball in the centre of the Town defence saw a Halifax forward latch onto it, Carrington coming out to make a good save. However three minutes later and another stray Town pass on the halfway line saw Halifax attack quickly down the Town left, the cross into the box found Marshall at the far post 6 yards out, he easily beat Carrington with a fine header. Shaun Clough conceded a corner after tracking back to stop a cross from going into the Town box, from the corner another header looked destined for the Town net until Adam hayton headed clear from off the line.
Right on the stroke of halftime Town conceded another goal when poor marking let Marshall complete his hat trick.
Town were immediately on the backfoot after halftime, Russell Clarke and Overson were putting in some tremendous challenges on the Town 6 yard line to stop what looked like certain goals from Metcalfe and James Riley. At the other end Robbie Smith tried a volley from the edge of the penalty area after good work by Garbutt and Hollindrake, but it flew harmlessly wide.
Halifax won another corner after 65 minutes, Riley glancing a header across the Town goal and just wide at the far post.
Town then made three substitutions, Garbutt, Hollindrake and Adam hayton making way for Paul barrett, Lewis Jordan and Michael Morrison after 67 minutes.
Carrington was called upon to make a brilliant save from Marshall who volleyed goalwards from 6 yards out, he tipped the ball just over the bar. Barrett broke clear for Town on 75 minutes down the Halifax right, he cut into the penalty area and put a good cross in to the near post, Senior diving to smother the ball with a Town forward waiting for any slipup. Barrett again 5 minutes later broke clear again this time forcing Senior to dive and palm the fiercely driven ball away to safety.
Halifax pressed again and Lewis Jordan had to make a last ditch tackle to stop Marshall adding to his tally.
With 4 minutes left on the clock Morrison forced Senior into another good save. The last action of the match came from Halifax in the last minute, the Town defence again failed to clear and Scot Phelan easily scored low into the bottom right hand corner of Carrington's net to complete the scoring.
A good workout for Town who were beaten by a very good Halifax team. The match will gave Town much needed match practice ready for the league game to come.

Barnoldswick Town Res 5 v Daisy Hill Res 0

Town went into the game after a 2 month lay off but didn't look particularly rusty.  Town were without the suspended Ben Harrison, Jake 'the snake' Bancroft and Josh Garvey after the injustice at Glossop in November.  With the first team having no game Garbutt, Grimes and Hayton were given much needed match practice and they were all pivotal in an excellent team performance. 
  Town were attacking the barn end in the first half on a heavy surface of which massive credit must go to groundsmen Ces Naylor and his band of helpers.  After a minutes silence for the Legend of local football that was Alverley Ashworth, Town took the game to their opponents. The passing and movement displayed at times was of the highest order and Daisy Hill to their credit repelled wave after wave of attacks.  Garbutt and Clark both going close early on with good strikes but it took until the 20th minute when Damon Clark rose highest at the front post and planted a header into the bottom corner.  Clark, Whelan and Garbutt were starting to run the Daisy Hill back line ragged and soon made it two when Whelan was released down the right and crossed.  The first shot from Clark was blocked but Garbutt made no mistake with a brilliant strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.  Town made it Three, five minutes before half time when again a Whelan corner was bundled home by Sconce who was having a good game at right back with his tireless running.  Credit must go to the Daisy Hill keeper who pulled off some terrific saves in keeping the score down in the first half.  3-0 at half time. 
Town came out in the second half and looked a little complacent but Garbutt made it four finishing well in a one on one situation from a Hayton through ball, his first goal for Town in the famous sewer end. Town kept on attacking and substitute Morgan Brown hit the outside of the post from 20 yards with a cracking strike, the ball ran out of the area with the goalkeeper in pursuit but Hayton reached the ball first and quickly crossed to the onrushing Whelan who hit a first time volley towards the corner. The goalkeeper though had other ideas and came out of nowhere to pull off a great save.  Garbutt completed the scoring in the 85th minute with a low finish to the keepers left, after more good work from Whelan down Towns right saw him place a low driven cross into the path of Gabba, who promptly took his chance for a well taken hat trick in the sewer end.  So some good performances from Town with the tireless Grimes setting the tempo in the centre of midfield and the defence well marshalled by Britton and Cavanagh.  Town entertain Grassington in the Craven cup next week at the silentnight stadium kick off 1:30pm.

Brennan,Sconce,Bell(Ellerton),Cavanagh,Britton,Hayton,Grimes,Helliwell(Lee),Clark(Brown),Whelan,Garbutt.
SNU- Coates,Mousley.

Winsford United 1 v Barnoldswick Town 1

This was always going to be a severe test for Town against the league leaders, only having played one game since the 20th of November and that in the second week of December, while Winsford had managed a couple of games in recent weeks. Town had a mini crisis before the game, Billy Carrington was unable to play and his replacement Mark Crossley pulled out on Saturday morning late on. This meant Chris Brennan who had left Portsmouth at 2am thinking he was playing for the Reserves having to turn round and go back down the motorway to play for the 1st team. On the pitch Bill Williams was still suspended, Town pairing Skipper Russell Clarke and Jack Overson as twin centre halves. Unlike the pitches at Barnoldswick which were nearly under water the pitch at Winsford was in reasonable condition, no rain and a breeze blowing diagonally from corner flag to corner flag and at Town's backs in the first half.
Neither keeper was tested in the first 15 minutes with the midfield of both teams dominating the forwards. The first glimpse of goal came from Town, a great ball down the Winsford left found Liam Blades, he crossed to the far post where Arron Hollindrake headed back across goal, the Winsford defence clearing the ball for a corner which was again cleared for another corner as Town looked to open the scoring.
After 19 minutes Town were forced to substitute Shaun Clough who had picked up a back injury in a tackle, Lewis Jordan coming on at right back with Blades moving over to the left.
Town again were prominent in attack down the Winsford left, Adam hayton driving the ball across the face of the the Winsford goal, Hollindrake at the far post shooting into the side netting. Liam Garbutt who was a thorn in the Winsford defence all afternoon picked up the ball after 26 minutes just outside the penalty area, his fierce shot was directed straight at Richard Mottram in the Winsford goal who comfortably saved.
Although Winsford had won a few corners the Town defence had kept them at arms length Brennan having a fairly easy afternoon. Winsford's first real threat coming after 32minutes when it looked like Liam Newman who had just signed a contract that morning looked like breaking through one on one with Brennan, but Skipper Clarke raced back to make a magnificent tackle conceding a corner but snuffing out the threat.
All square at halftime, Winsford came out showing more resolve in the second half. Lee Jones crossing deep into the Town penalty area after 51 minutes, Blades heading clear at the expense of a corner. Two minutes later Lee Duckworth tried an overhead kick which fortunately for Town drifted wide of the post. Not to be out done Town went straight up to the other end and won a corner, from the corner Clarke headed down to Garbutt who spun on a sixpence and shot at goal, Mottram diving to make the save.
Play was beginning to open up a little which could have been tiredness creeping in with the lack of games and the sticky pitch, Duckworth cutting into the Town penalty area unleashed a shot which took a wicked deflection off Jordan, Brennan having to change direction tipped the ball round the post for a corner. Jordan then found himself at the other end of the pitch curling a left foot shot from the corner of the penalty area which had Mottram scrambling across his goal to make the save as it looked destined for the far top corner. Keeping the pressure up Hollindrake twisting and turning inside the Winsford penalty area got his shot away forcing Mottram once again into a good save.
Town then made another change Hollindrake being replaced by Michael Morrison (67 minutes).
Three minutes later a long ball down the middle of the Winsford defence saw Garbutt and Mottram in a race for the ball, Mottram just winning the race to clear 10 yards outside his penalty area.
Town put themselves under pressure with failing to clear the ball, Clarke once again came to the rescue with a brilliant last ditch tackle to thwart Newman.
Town then took the lead after 74 minutes, Town quickly broke down the Winsford right, the ball was played to Garbutt who crossed into the middle where Morrison found himself one on one with Adam Bayley Winsford's centre half, he quickly brought the ball under control side stepped a tackle and stroked the ball past Mottram.
Winsford then quickened their pace, Michael Brandon shooting wide from a good position. At the other end a Morrison cross caused confusion in the Winsford defence Bayley under pressure conceding a corner.
The Winsford pressure in the last 10 minutes consisted of long throws by Colin McAllister which were longer than Delap's throws for Stoke. From one of them Brennan made a good save as the ball fell to Jones the Winsford Captain.
At the other end Garbutt nearly robbed Mottram who was slow to clear getting a tackle in but just failing to win the ball. Town moved into injury time still in front but the pressure of the long throws was to finally tell, and with all bar McAllister and Mottram in the Town penalty area confusion reigned and Wellstead found the ball at his feet three yards out and he gleefully rammed the ball home. There was a scare for Town when in their next attack Winsford had the ball in the net but it was disallowed due to a foul on a Town player, heart stopping stuff.
Despair for Town who had come so close to winning, but looking on the bright side they were the better team on the day and after the long lay off can take heart from a magnificent performance.

Barnoldswick Town Res 5 v Grassington 0

Town went into this game on the back of a 5-0 win at home to Daisy hill and full of confidence.  The game switched pitches 3 times and eventually the game was played on the top council pitch on victory park which held up well with the rain.  Ellerton, Gaskell, Brown and Cullen all came in the team for Grimes, Hayton, Garbutt and Bell respectively.  Town started shooting against the wind and driving rain in first half but this didn't really hinder Town as they kept the ball on the floor and passed sharply and smoothly against the physical challenges from their opponents.  Town thought they taken the lead when Mousley was released by Whelan and he rounded the keeper and slotted home but the referee pulled play back for offside on 10 minutes.  Town were creating the chances and taking the game to Grassington who seemed content to play long hopeful balls to their lone striker.  Town eventually took the lead on 20 minutes when Clark was played in drew the keeper and coolly dinked the ball over him.  This brought Town to life and really started to play with Cavanagh and Sconce rock solid at the back.  Town kept possession for long spells and dealt admirably with the long balls and free kicks into their box and Cullen in goal wasn't really called upon at all in the first half.  1-0 at half time and Town still had a battle on their hands.
   In the second half Town knew the next goal was vital and obliged within 2 minutes of the restart when Clark turned his man went past another won a 50-50 with Grassington's centre half and rolled it past the keeper.  Town made it 3 within minutes as Whelan was released down the right and smashed a shot into the opposite top corner.  Town soon made it 4 when again Whelan went down the right and lobbed the goalkeeper with a delicate chip.  Clark made it 5 after the keeper failed to clear and Clark chipped the ball up and volleyed it from fully 40 yards over the stranded goalkeeper.  Coates was introduced for Hat-trick man Clark and was put clean through by skipper Liam Britton.  Coates beat the offside trap but the goalkeeper pulled off a tremendous save down to his left and pushed it out for a corner.  Whelan was still looking dangerous and Town thought they had a 6th when Mousley headed in Whelan's cross but the ball was adjudged not to have crossed the line.  Grassington forced Cullen into action when he saved from point blank range after a cross was not dealt with.  This seemed to spur Town on and they had a few more chances towards the end the best fell to Coates when a Mousley cross come shot went across goal but bobbled at the last minute and cruelly through Coates' legs at the back post. 
  This was a potential banana skin avoided and showed that the Town team can stand up to the physical side of the game when needed as well as just playing good football.  All the attitudes of the lads were excellent today and to a man all rolled their sleeves up and gave as good as they got.  Good luck to Paul Baxter and his side for the remainder of the season.  Town are back in league action next week when they travel to Cheadle.

Team-Cullen,Gaskell,Ellerton(Bell),Sconce,Cavanagh,Britton(c),Helliwell,Whelan,Brown(K.Britton),Clark(Coates),Mousley.
SNU-Russell,Bell.

Bacup Borough 1 v Barnoldswick Town 0

After the good performance at league leaders Winsford on Saturday Town were hoping to continue in the same vein at Bacup. They had to make three changes to saturday's starting line up. Out were Liam Blades and Shaun Clough through injury and Adam Hayton who couldn't make it. On the plus side Bill Williams made a welcome return after suspension.
After sparring with each other the first attempt at goal came from Chris Ogunyode who fired a shot from the edge of the penalty at Billy Carrington in the Town goal who saved with his legs, the ball bouncing to safety. Williams then made a great tackle at the expense of a corner as Bacup pressed again.
Town countered with a great move that swept across the field to Robbie Smith, he played a great ball into the danger area towards Liam Garbutt but he strayed just offside and the chance was gone. Garbutt was again prominent on the Bacup right, picking the ball up near the touchline he cut in to the corner of the box and got a shot away, Paul Horridge making a comfortable save. Straight down to the other end and Lance Ogunyode forced Carrington into another save. After 16 minutes Michael Morrison broke away on the Bacup right, beat the fullback and pulled the ball back from the touchline to Robbie Smith, he shot with his left foot curling the ball just over the bar.
Chris Ogunyode was causing problems for the Town defence with his darting runs but the back four of Lewis Jordan, Williams, Russell Clarke and Jack Overson held firm.
Town had a scare after 26 minutes when a mistake in the defence let in Paul Haydn who streaked away on goal, fortunately for Ton he shot across carrington and wide of the far post. Town stepped on the gas towards halftime, Smith got in behind the Bacup defence but his shot from a tight angle was tipped round the far post for a corner. Then right on halftime Overson got in behind but Horridge just beat him to the ball to clear the danger.
Five minutes into the second half Kingsley Williams was booked for a foul on a Town player, Morrison took the kick 25 yards out curling the ball just wide of the upright with Horridge looking on. Straight away Town attacked again, a deft ball down the Bacup right saw Garbutt and Horridge in a race for the ball, Garbutt just touching the ball too far as it ran quickly down the slope, Horridge getting to the ball at the same time and managing to clear as garbutt tried to flick it round him into goal.
Bacup started to take a hold on the game and on the hour Lewis Jordan made a great tackle on Lance Ogunyode to stop him crossing into the danger area. Town then brought on Arran Hollindrake in place of Neil Chapman (71 minutes). But it was bacup who scored after 74 minutes, a Town attack was quickly broken up and the counter attack saw the ball played to Daniel cocks totally unmarked on the Town left, he took the ball on and easily beat Carrington to put Bacup one up.
Town tried to get back into the match but another Morrison free kick that drifted agonisingly wide of the upright again was all they had to show. Town did win 5 corners in succession but never really looked like scoring. To cap a dismal night Garbutt was sent off deep into injury time, it was difficult to see why indeed quite a few of the crowd didn't realise he had been sent off. It would seem that he threw the ball to Cocks for him to take a throw and he has gone down as though felled by a canonball, but as I said it was not in the best position to see the incident properly.
So, not the best performance, more disappointing after Saturday than anything else but that's football. Let's look to Saturday's match against Atherton and see if we can bounce back.

Rossendale United 2 v Barnoldswick Town 4

After another two matches called off due to the weather Town went to Rossendale United hoping to reach the target that they set at the beginning of the season, 40 points. Once again both fullbacks were missing Liam Blades and Shaun Clough through injury, although Blades was on the substitutes bench, Jack Overson and Lewis Jordan filling the two fullback places. Town changed things around Robert Grimes and Neil Chapman being on the bench, Michael Morrison and Spencer Jordan coming into the team.
The game set off at a brisk pace with Town having the better of the early exchanges, Morrison was brought down just outside the Rossendale penalty area, Adam Hayton curling a dangerous ball into the box which was cleared. On seven minutes Arran Hollindrake put Liam Garbutt clear but as he reached the edge of the 6 yard box a last ditch tackle saw the ball cleared for a corner.
Rossendale went straight up to the other end and Grant McElroy had a shot cannon off Lewis Jordan for a corner. Sloppy defending from the corner saw a shot half cleared only for the ball to fall to the feet of Curtis Gallagher who smashed it into the net to put Rossendale one up.
Town then increased their attacking Hollindrake managed to get clear down the Rossendale right, his cross was cleared under pressure from Garbutt who was looking particularly dangerous. A minute later Hayton put Hollindrake in again on the right, he slipped the ball to Morrison who weaved past two defenders well inside the penalty area before slipping the ball back to Hollindrake who curled a shot at goal which Ben Proctor saved at the near post. With the rain beginning to fall Town upped their game again, on 16 minutes a great ball over the top of the Rossendale defence saw Garbutt quickly onto it shooting across Proctor into the far corner. A minute later Spencer Jordan fired a shot at Proctor from the edge of the box Proctor saving and immediately setting his side on the attack down the Town left. Lewis Jordan won the ball back and played it to Hollindrake on the Rossendale right. He took the ball on into the penalty area and curled a delightful shot round three defenders inside the far upright to put Town in front, the three defenders staring at each other wondering why they had left it?
Five minutes later and Rossendale were back on level terms, again sloppy defending in the Town penalty area saw Richard Winstanley fire home. The game was ebbing and flowing with the quick Rossendale forwards particularly Jason Hart causing a few problems. While Morrison at the other end was forcing Proctor into making a good save. Garbutt after 25 minutes also making Proctor tip the ball for a corner as it looked destined for the top corner. Hollindrake on the Town left was always in plenty of space and one of his crosses found Garbutt at the near post but his flying header was just wide of the target.
Rossendale then applied some pressure of their own when they won a corner, once again the Town defence struggled to clear the ball which was whipped back into the Town box, Billy Carrington eventually plucking the ball out of the air to the relief of his fellow defenders.
Town at times were guilty of giving the ball away to easily, and the Rossendale forwards were quick to exploit it causing problems especially Jason Hart.
Overson broke clear after 38 minutes on the Rossendale left, his swinging cross into the penalty area was cut out by Winstanley at the near post with Garbutt again threatening. Town were awarded another free kick just outside the penalty area, Hayton placed his cross under the bar Proctor saving, he quickly threw the ball out to Mark Coyne who raced away down the Town left. His cross was a good one but Carrington came out and made a good save under pressure.
Town finished the half putting the Rossendale defence under a lot of pressure. Hollindrake then had a header that the keeper blocked, it rebounded back to hollindrake who shot towards goal and looked destined for the corner, it beat Proctor but Winstanley almost on the line turned it away over the bar as he fell for a corner.
Town kept up the pressure and a Robbie Smith dink into the box saw Spencer Jordan just unable to turn it past Proctor. Just into injury time Town did take the lead, a corner on the Rossendale left was headed goalwards by Bill Williams, Spencer Jordan swivelled and shot goalwards, Garbutt seized on the ensuing loose ball to shoot home.
Town set off well in the second half, Morrison was fouled out wide on the Rossendale right, Hayton's cross found the head of Williams who headed wide from a really good position. Rossendale to their credit kept going and Carrington was called upon to make two timely interceptions on the edge of the Town box to clear the danger. Town kept on looking for the fourth goal to cement their lead, Overson getting into the penalty area but Daniel Brown made a timely tackle at the expense of a corner.
After 59 minutes Garbutt had a great opportunity for his hat trick, having been put through Proctor came out to save at his feet. Smith then got his head to a free kick but he directed it just wide of the upright. Play was still swinging from end to end and after Hollindrake got a good cross in, Carrington saved at the second attempt from a free kick just outside the box.
Garbutt was still trying hard for his third goal, Smith put him through again but as before Proctor made the telling save at his feet. Town then took Hollindrake off (70 mins) bringing on Stewart Airdrie. He was straight into the action releasing Spencer Jordan down the Rossendale right, his cross picked out Smith who saw his goal bound shot hit Proctor's legs and rebound to safety. Then on 75 minutes a classic goal, Airdrie in the centre circle deftly brought the ball down slipped it past the defender then ran towards goal, with no one in the Rossendale side able to catch him he slipped the ball past Proctor to score Town's fourth goal.
Rossendale weren't finished and Carrington had to go full length to save from Jason Hart. But that was the last of the Rossendale attempts on the Town goal. Spencer Jordan had a good chance to make it five but as he homed in on the Rossendale goal the ball seemed to get tangled up under his feet and Proctor was able to make the save. A Morrison cross on the right just drifted past the far post with proctor beaten. Right on the final whistle Airdrie who had looked sharp fed a great ball into Chapman his first time shot whistling just past the post.
A good win for Town taking them onto 41 points, exceeding the target set at the beginning of the season, they now travel to meet Congleton Town away on Saturday.

Barnoldswick Town 3 v St Helens Town 0

The pitch passed a late morning inspection due to the rain that had come down in the last 48 hours and was very heavy in places. Town had influential skipper Russell Clarke missing through work commitments along with Shaun Clough still out with a bad back sustained at Winsford a few weeks ago. Liam Garbutt was starting the first of a three match suspension. Back into the team came Liam Blades after a groin strain.
Town set off well pinning St Helens back in their own half with some neat football. A sweeping move out of defence started by Bill Williams found Aaron Hollindrake just inside the St Helens half he quickly fed Blades on the St Helens left, he took the ball on and crossed to Hollindrake on the edge of the penalty area but his shot drifted just wide of the post. Three minutes later Michael Morrison was brought down 5 yards outside the St Helens penalty area, he took the free kick himself hitting the underside of the crossbar the ball rebounding to safety with Dale Newbrook in the St Helens goal looking on.
Adam Hayton was revelling in the mud and from a deep cross he found Morrison who quickly found Hollindrake just inside the penalty area but he screwed his shot just the wrong side of the post.
The first real attack from St Helens came after 13 minutes when after a good 5 man move Williams gave a free kick away just outside the Town penalty area, from the resulting cross the ball was cleared at the 2nd attempt as the Saints forwards closed in. This seemed to spur St Helens on and Daley Woods who started to put in some menacing runs got free on the Town left, his cross from the byline had Billy carrington diving full length to cut it put. Woods again caused problems putting Iain Dyson clear in the penalty area, Williams saving the day with a great challenge at the expense of a corner.
Town took the lead after 21 minutes, Hayton played a great ball over the top of the Saints defence, Morrison picked it up and ran towards goal, Newbrook came out and partially saved as Morrison tried to slot it past him, the ball broke kindly to Hollindrake who shot past a couple of defenders into the net from 10 yards out. St Helens responded straight away with James Croxton getting a shot away from the edge of the penalty area, Carrington again diving full length to grasp the ball, it looked like it was going to slip from his grasp but he clutched it at the 2nd attempt with a Saints forward waiting to pounce.
Town were then forced into a substitution, Blades who had just recovered from a groin strain went down with a reoccurrence, Stewart (Mr versatile ) Airdrie coming on. It was still St Helens who were pressing Croxton again getting a shot away which just missed the target.
Town increased their lead after 32 minutes, Hayton picked the ball up 30 yards from goal and unleashed a tremendous shot that flew into the top corner of the net with newbrook in the St Helens goal rooted to the spot, such was the ferocity of the shot. Robbie Smith had a chance to put Town further in front but Newbrook made a great save at hid feet to deny him. Right on halftime there was a chance at both ends, first Christopher McGann tried a diving header that flashed past carrington's left upright, then both Morrison and Hollindrake had shots blocked at the other end in succession as St Helens defended well.
Town were well worth their two goal lead but that could have all changed five minutes into the second half. McGann moved quickly into the Town penalty area Carrington coming out was adjudged by the Referee to have brought him down, Liam Pearson a St Helens substitute stepped up to take it, he sort of tried to chip the ball in straight down the middle of the goal, Carrington having dived to his right seemed in slow motion to stick his hand out and stop the ball which had no pace on it at all, a timely save put a poor penalty.
At the other end Hollindrake once again got clear but Karl Aldridge slid in to clear the danger. St Helens were beginning to press more to try to salvage something from the game, McGann shooting wide from a good opportunity. At the other end Hayton who was having a great game slid the ball through to Hollindrake who could only hit the side netting from a tight angle. The twin pairing of Williams and Jack Overson were having to work fairly hard to keep the St Helens forwards at bay, Overson having to make a great tackle after 65 minutes as the St Helens forwards pressed in search of a goal, Woods and Dyson having good chances but both firing wide of the target. Perhaps the best chance for St Helens came after 81 minutes when substitute Michael Kavanagh should have scored but blazed his shot a yard wide when it looked easier to score.
Town sealed the win with a third goal after 87 minutes, the ball was played forward to Hollindrake who deftly headed on towards goal splitting two defenders, Smith saw his opportunity and accelerated past the St Helens skipper Stephen Kay into the penalty area, he took the ball on before slipping it past Newbrook into the bottom corner.
A good win for Town in very testing conditions.

Ashton Town Res 3 v Barnoldswick Town Res 1

Town started this game hoping to close the gap at the top but it didn't turn out like that.  Town started brightly with Britton completely dominating the midfield with his intelligent passing and quick thinking.  Mousley was looking a real threat down the right and it wasn't long before the first chance came Barlick's way when Garvey released Mousley down the right and crossed for Damon Clark to prod past the post from a couple of yards out.  Clark then missed another good opportunity when Gaskell played a through ball to him and with only the keeper to beat he pulled his shot across the keeper and wide.  A couple more chances were spurned but Town going in at 0-0 at half time looked totally in control. 
  Town came out for the second half and were put under a bit of pressure for the first 5 minutes but then Cavanagh released Whelan but the keeper got down low and saved well.  Town were again in the ascendancy but a mistake by Ellerton saw the Ashton Town centre forward in and with the home sides first chance they had their first goal.  Coates and Bell came on for Clark and Brown and Town were soon level when coates was upended just outside the area and Ellerton promptly scored a terrific free kick curling into the far top left hand corner.  1-1 and game on.  Town at this stage lost their composure and threw away the chance to win the game when poor defending at a set piece saw Ashton's second goal scored.  With Town pushing for an equaliser the hosts made sure of the points when the Ashton number 10 found himself through on goal and dispatched with ease to make the game safe at 3-1.  Town did create a couple more chances but the excellent Ashton keeper
 was equal to anything thrown at him.
   A few choice words will be said between now and the Gargrave game next week when the town management team will be looking for a reaction to a sub standard display. 
Team-Brennan,Gaskell,Ellerton,Garvey,Cavanagh,Britton,Lee,Whelan,Mousley,Clark(Coates)(Spendlove),Brown(Bell).
SNU-Chew,Harrison.

Glossop North End 0 v Barnoldswick Town 1

Town went into this game without the services of influential skipper Russell Clarke still away with work commitments, Liam Garbutt still suspended. On the plus side Shaun clough missing since the Winsford game came back into the team at left back, Spencer Jordan made a start with Robbie Smith moving to the bench, Liam Blades who appears to have recovered from his groin strain was also on the bench.
The pitch even after the heavy overnight rain looked in good condition and there was snow on the outlying hills around the ground.
Town started the better of the two teams forcing Glossop back deep into their own half without having the penetration to put Jonny Mcllwaine in the Glossop goal under any real pressure. After 10 minutes Glossop regrouped and a long ball over the Town defence saw their Garry Kharas just failing to get his foot to the ball inside the penalty area, the ball gathering pace off the turf going for a goal kick. A good move by Town started by Robert Grimes in the centre circle, he played a ball in to Adam Hayton on the edge of the penalty area, he in turn slipped a great ball through two Glossop defenders to Lewis Jordan. He took the ball to the goal line before being tackled as he was crossing the ball from a dangerous position..
Glossop then threatened down the Town right, Jack Overson clearing the danger for a corner with a timely tackle. Overson and his partner at the centre of the Town defence Bill Williams were magnificent all through the match keeping the Glossop front pairing of Kharas and Robert Hartshorne away from Billy Carrington's goal. From the ensuing corner Carrington tipped the inswinging ball over the bar for another which Town cleared fairly easily.
Lewis Jordan was having a good game, managing to attack down the Glossop left as well as defend, managing to win another corner on the half hour mark after another run down the Glossop left. There was very few attempts on goal to worry either keeper unduly in the first half, Carrington having to come out to save at the feet of Kharas on 38 minutes, really the first danger from Glossop. Town for all their endeavours hadn't troubled Mcllwaine either.
However that changed in the 44th minute, a long crossfield ball deep into the Glossop left saw a defender miss kick the ball, it fell to Hayton who picked up the loose ball, cut into the penalty area and scored with a low left foot shot that curled past Mcllwaine into the bottom corner. A goal he richly deserved for he had been all over the pitch, defending deep and prompting well from midfield.
Town started the second half well, Grimes played a great ball through he defence but it was just too strong for Michael Morrison to get on the end of. Then a big moment in the match, when Hartshorne was sent off for elbowing Overson in the face in an off the ball incident, spotted by an astute linesman.
Town should perhaps have capitalised on the one man advantage and that looked like being the case as Arron Hollindrake shot low down from just outside the penalty area the ball flashing past the upright. A minute later Neil Chapman broke clear down the left and crossed, again Hollindrake got on the end of it but just couldn't bring it under control and the chance was lost. Town then substituted Hollindrake (63) bringing on Smith as his replacement. Glossop at this time made a double substitution Steven and Luke Pearson replacing Sam Hind and Daniel Broome. Town continued to attack and Hayton made a good run into the penalty area and crossed but a defender managed to turn it for a corner before Smith could turn it into the goal. From the corner Morrison got in a shot but it went just the wrong aide of the post.
Glossop then went for the equaliser with 15 minutes left on the clock. A series of three corners won on the bounce saw Clough clear the ball from the goal line from the second one. A minute later Adam Oakes shot from just outside the penalty area the ball just over the bar. At the other end gaps were beginning to appear as Glossop tried to get the equaliser, Smith picked the ball up just outside the penalty area and stroked the ball goalwards, but it drifted just the wrong side of the upright. Town then made a double substitution of their own (83) Hayton and Spencer Jordan making way for Stewart Airdrie and Paul Barrett. With five minutes left Town could have had a penalty when Airdrie running into the penalty area was bundled unceremoniously off the ball, the linesman who was in close attendance having none of it. Town for the last few minutes easily weathered the Glossop attacks and deserved their victory.
It will be an interesting selection problem for the Town management when Clarke, Garbutt and Blades are back in contention, one I would rather they had to make than me. With the win Town moved up to 4th in the table, and made it three wins on the spin.

Craven Cup Quarter Final

Barnoldswick Town Res 4 v Gargrave 1

Town started the game with no fewer than 5 changes to the starting 11 from the team which lost at Ashton Town the week previous.  Garvey, Clark, Whelan, Brennan and Gaskell being replaced by Chew, Sconce, Halliwell, Britton and Cullen. Town started brightly and were keeping possesion for long spells and creating chances with Gargrave trying to hit town on the break.  Mousley was looking dangerous and was slipped in a couple of times and was really stretching the back four of Gargrave.  Gargrave had one dangerous moment when Ben Brown dribbled past a static midfielder but his shot was high and wide from 30 yards.  Halliwell was replaced by Whelan after 25 mins with a strain and it was Whelans corner that provided Ellerton with his second goal in a week.  1-0 up and town really started to turn the screw and Mousley made it 2 when he broke clear and finished well to the keepers right.  Brown was starting to see more of the ball in the hole and was prompting some good attacks.  Young Kieran Britton was looking the part on his debut continually getting behind the right full back throughout the match and whipping some dangerous crosses into the box.  Mousley made it three when Morgan Brown fed him with a slide rule pass and again he dispatched with ease.  A couple more chances went begging but town went in 3-0 up at the break.
  The second half started and town were again on the attack but Gargrave to their credit were starting to come more into the game and committing men forward.  Towns passing was sloppy at times but thet were still looking the most likely to score the next goal.  Mousley, Brown and Whelan all missed good chances to add to towns tally but were finding the goalkeeper hard to beat.  Chew at the other end had to move swiftly to block a Brown shot from just inside the box.  For all towns possession it was Gargrave who scored next when Brown drove to the left hand side of the defence and finished crisply into the keepers bottom left hand corner.  This seemed to spur town on Clark came on for Mousley and Greenwood came on for Lee.  It was good to see Greenwood making his first appearance for nearly a year after his broken leg last season.  Towns 4th goal came when Kieran Britton broke down thew left and had his initial cross cleared back to him, his second ball found Clark who made no mistake from 6 yards out.  Town seemed to get a bit of composure back and Whelan found Clark who volleyed but straight at the greatful keeper. 
  So Town move through to the semi finals where they will meet either Embsay, Rimington or Skipton LMS.  This was a good show of character from the lads after the disappointment of last weekend, playing some neat football although they could be more incisive in the final third of the pitch.  Darwen at home in the league next week

Team-Cullen,Sconce,Ellerton,Chew,Cavanagh,Lee(Greenwood),L.Britton(C),Halliwell(Whelan),Brown,Mousley(Clark),K.Britton.SNU-Garvey,Bell.

Barnoldswick Town 4 v Colne 2

Fortunately the forecast rain held off but the pitch was still very heavy in places. Town were still without the services of Skipper Russell Clarke work commitments, and Liam Garbutt serving the last of a three match ban. Stewart Airdrie came in at centre half to partner Jack Overson as Bill Williams picked up a knock at Glossop on Saturday. Town again rotated the team about Adam Hayton and Aaron Hollindrake reverting to the subs bench Robbie Smith and Liam Blades coming into the team.
The match started a a good pace without troubling either keeper, but that all changed after 18 minutes, Colne won a corner on the Town left, as it came over in swinging to the near post Mark Threlfall got his head to the ball glancing it goalwards, fortunately for Town it hit a defender and cannoned over the bar for another corner. The same happened again but this time Steven Cunningham's header found the back of the Town net to put Colne in front. Town responded straight away as a minute later Blades delivered a corner to the far post, it was headed back across goal where the ball ran free, the first to react was Lewis Jordan who smashed it into the net through a ruck of players.
Town then started to put some passes together, they had been guilty of giving the ball away on numerous occasions. A quick counter attack saw the ball played wide to Spencer Jordan, his cross was cleared for a corner. Blades took the corner, the ball was cleared back to him, he brought the ball down moved forward and dummied the defender moving to the goal line, his cross found Neil Chapman but his shot was just over the bar.
On the half hour mark Billy Priestley was booked just outside the penalty area for a reckless tackle, Michael Morrison who is usually good with the dead ball kicks could only knock the free kick into the Colne Wall.
Town took the lead after 35 minutes, with the Colne defence claiming offside Lewis Jordan continued his run easily slotting the ball past Jamie Scott in the Colne goal. Mark Threlfall was then booked for disputing the offside decision. Jordan was not offside but a colleague who was, was not classed as interfering was.
Town nearly increased their lead three minutes later when a Blades cross to Chapman saw his shot deflected for a corner with the defender not knowing much about it.
Colne were not to be denied in this pulsating encounter and drew level after 42 minutes. A great ball out of defence across the field picked out a Colne player, he took two touches to control the ball then sent over a pinpoint cross to Samuel Hayes who rose unmarked and headed firmly into the corner of the net. Again Town responded, Blades again racing down the Colne left flank and crossed along the 6 yard line, Stephen Pickup managing to get there first to clear.
Town should have gone back in front after 54 minutes when Morrison found himself clear on goal, his shot from about the penalty spot was brilliantly save by Scott tipping the ball round the post for a corner. Colne then took Andrew Tinker off bringing on Daniel Boyle (64). Two minutes later James Crorken managed to get a shot away fortunately for Town it cannoned off a defender for a corner. In a game that swung from end to end Town went straight up to the Colne end and Clough delivered a great cross into the Colne box, Smith and Jordan getting in each others way as it looked like Town were certain to score and move back in front, as they collided with each other. At the other end Overson did well to cut out a dangerous cross on the 6 yard line.
Town then made a double substitution, Morrison and Spencer Jordan making way for Hayton and Hollindrake (76).
Blades reveling in his runs down the Colne left flank moved forward feigning to shoot but dummying and going past a Colne defender saw his shot from the edge of the box whistle just over the bar. Then all hell seemed to break loose with 5 minutes remaining, Chapman brought a Colne player down rather clumsily, Cunningham who had already been booked took offence to this remonstrating with everyone around him. As players from both teams gathered together Cunningham pushed Lewis Jordan away around the throat area. The Referee then booked Chapman for the initial foul, Cunningham for pushing Jordan his second yellow which turned into red as he had been booked before, and Jordan was also cautioned for getting involved in the first place. Not to be outdone in the space of the next two minutes Hollindrake and Airdrie also received yellow cards. Just to make it even more interesting the Colne Manager Nigel Coates was also shown a red card earlier in the match for disputing the Referee's decisions.
Then in the 89th minute Priestley the Colne centre half should have scored shooting wide when it looked easier to score. To his dismay Town went down to the other end and a great cross into the Colne penalty area saw Hollindrake dummy the Colne defender before shooting past Scott in the Colne goal from around 12 yards out giving him no chance. Then to wrap it up for Town in the 5th minute of added on time Hollindrake again broke clear and got a shot away from the edge of the box, Scott dived and made a good save but he couldn't hold the ball, it bounced up hit Smith on the head a he ran in to follow up and rebounded into the net.
This was a classic derby match, full of good football from both sides and plenty of incidents to talk about at the bar later. Town will have Clarke and Garbutt back on Saturday for the visit to table toppers New Mills.

Barnoldswick Town 1 v Silsden 1

Town welcomed back Skipper Russell Clarke into the starting lineup after his outward bonds course. Liam Garbutt was also available after suspension and was on the bench. James Mann made his debut in he Town goal with Billy Carrington on the subs bench. With a slight breeze and a chill in the air a good match was in prospect.
Town started well straight from the kick off, a flowing 5 man move diagonally across the field saw them win a corner which was easily cleared. Town were always on the move but seemed to be overplaying around and inside the Silsden penalty area. Good moves by Spencer Jordan and Aaron Hollindrake saw the Silsden defenders scrambling the ball away for corner kicks, which were easily dealt with by the Silsden defence. Silsden's first crack at the Town goal came after 20 minutes when Sam Heap picked the ball up just outside the Town penalty area and got a shot away, but it curled well past the upright. Town immediately re-asserted themselves at the other end, a move involving Clarke, Spencer Jordan saw Blades on another good overlapping run, but his cross was cut out for another corner. From the corner the ball ran loose on the 6 yard line, Jack Overson got a shot away but it was blocked, the ball rebounded to Robbie Smith who let go a thunderous shot that beat Chris Thompson in the Silsden goal all ends up, but it hit the bar and came out for a lucky let off for Silsden.
Town the fell behind, Silsden won a free kick wide on the Town right, the ball was played to the far post where Daniel Finn easily scored. Town were surging forward looking for the equaliser Alex Mugan making a good block as another Blades cross came in, the ball rebounding to the edge of the penalty area, Robert Grimes latching onto the ball moved to his right but his final shot was over the bar.
Town's play up to the final third of the pitch was good, but they wanted a touch to much and a resilient Silsden defence was able to clear comfortably.
Silsden were the first to show in the second half, Clarke having to make a timely block to stop a shot getting to it's target. Pressure was beginning to build on the Silsden defence, Grimes moving forward to the edge of the penalty area saw his shot beaten away by Thompson in the Silsden goal, the ball bouncing kindly for the defence. Silsden were reduced to 10 men after 62 minutes when Tim Hird was cautioned for the second time in the match and was sent off. Town piled the pressure on, a Blades cross found Smith 8 yards out but his shot was screwed well wide of the target, Silsden seemed content to sit back and defend in depth which appeared to be paying off. On 68 minutes a poor back pass to Thompson in the Silsden goal saw Spencer Jordan and Thompson in a race for the ball, Thompson diving at Jordan's feet to save the day on the edge of the penalty area. Town then made a double substitution (69), Michael Morrison and Liam Garbutt coming on, with Grimes and Shaun Clough coming off. Town won a free kick on the Silsden left. Blades crossed deep into the Silsden penalty area where Hollindrake rose well above the defence but could only head the ball over the bar. Town were attacking well dow the Silsden left, Blades especially getting plenty of ball, but the Silsden defence well marshalled by Mugan was in no mood to give anything away. As Town poured forward in search of the equaliser Silsden looked to catch them on the break, and in one such break Andrew Lee who had impressed with his quick attacking down Town's right flank found himself through on goal wide on the edge of the penalty area. as he cut in Mann in the Town goal narrowed the angle and palmed his shot away from goal to safety.
Neil Chapman at the other end found Garbutt at the far post but he headed wide of the mark when he possibly should have done better. Eventually the pressure told, a cross into the penalty area found Hollindrake, his first shot was beaten out by Thompson, fortunately for Town it went straight back to Hollindrake who made no mistake the second time with 10 minutes left.
The last 10 minutes must have seemed a life time for the Silsden players as wave after wave of Town attacks saw Smith and Garbutt shots sail over the bar, a Garbutt header in injury time again went the wrong side of the woodwork from only 3 yards out.
Two points lost but for endeavour and commitment Town couldn't be faulted, credit has to go to Silsden for their dogged defending when under severe pressure.

           

Barnoldswick Town 3 v Runcorn Linnets 0

Once again Town made changes to the starting lineup. Billy Carrington coming back into the team with James Mann on the bench, Shaun Clough was unavailable due to work commitments Lewis Jordan coming in at leftback. Jack Overson was away on holiday so Stewart Airdrie started in midfield. Michael Morrison and Liam Garbutt also started with Neil Chapman and Spencer Jordan on the bench.
There was a cold breeze blowing across the pitch, Town attacking the barn end of the ground. Straight away Town surged towards the Runcorn goal winning a corner in their first attack, from the corner Robbie Smith was fouled just outside the penalty area, Morrison took the freekick but his effort was just over the bar. However after 8 minutes Town were awarded another corner just outside the box again towards the right hand side. Garbutt and Smith were both lining the kick up when a bit of smart thinking by Smith caught the Runcorn defence out, he saw Damien Eastham in the Runcorn goal out of position so he calmly stroked the ball into the far corner of the net. The Runcorn defenders were not happy but the goal was awarded.
Town continued to press and a great cross field ball by Smith found Lewis Jordan unmarked down the right hand side of the Runcorn defence, he cut into the penalty area and crossed to the near post but Eastham read the situation right saving at the foot of his post to cut out the danger. A minute later and it was Garbutt's turn to get in behind the defence on the other side of the pitch this time Chris Lawton the Runcorn centre half cleared the danger only to find Jordan on the other side, his cross beat all the Runcorn defenders but three Town players all alone inside the penalty area were unable to take advantage as the ball was a fraction too high.
The first real chance for Runcorn came after 17 minutes when Lewis Savva moved into the Town penalty area and unleashed a fierce shot that Carringtom did well to turn round the post for a corner. Runcorn started to come more into the game and Carrington under pressure dropped the ball, it ran loose in the Town penalty area Savva again getting a good shot away. This time it beat Carrington but was cleared off the line by Town skipper Russell Clarke, still the ball was not cleared and from another shot Carrington saved with his feet, this time the ball was cleared from the danger area.
Four minutes later (39) Carrington was adjudged by the Referee to have brought Savva down as he slid in with his feet to clear the ball. The referee booked Carrington and awarded Runcorn a penalty. Due to lengthy treatment given to Savva it was nearly five minutes before the penalty was taken. Whether the long wait affected Kevin Towey or not Carrington guessed right and dived to his right tipping the ball round the post for a corner. A lucky let off for Town as the first half came to an end.
Runcorn came out looking for an early equaliser, and two minutes into the half Robert Whyte forced Carrington into another good save. Runcorn continued to press hard and from a corner Ian Barker rose unmarked in the Town box to head just over the bar. Town increased their lead after 57 minutes, from a Liam Blades throw Aaron Hollindrake headed on towards the near post, Garbutt was swiftly onto the ball forcing it home from close range. Town who had been forced back somewhat in the early exchanges of the half then won a freekick just outside the Runcorn penalty area, Adam Hayton took the kick curling it just over the bar the ball not dipping in time.
Runcorn still came forward trying to get back into the game, Jeff Thomas moving into the penalty area but lewis Jordan came across to block his cross/shot to safety. Town then took Hayton off (71) bringing on Neil Chapman. A minute later Town's man of the match Blades picked the ball up down the Runcorn left cut in leaving two defenders in his wake and cracked a left shot that sizzled as it cleared the wrong side of the bar by inches. Another Town substitution (77) saw Spencer Jordan replacing Hollindrake.
Runcorn were still not finished as Thomas managed to get onto a raking cross but his header was just wide of the post. Town made their last substitution when Garbutt was replaced by young Thomas Halliwell (86). A minute later and Town wrapped the game up when a cross from the Runcorn left eluded everyone except Chapman who unmarked slammed the ball past the helpless Eastham to complete the scoring.
A deserved win in the end but a young Runcorn side never stopped running on another day would probably feel they should have got something from the game. But another fine win for the Town who stretched their unbeaten run to six games.

 

Padiham Res 0 v Barnoldswick Town Res 1

  Town took the spoils in this closely fought local derby in a game of two halves. Town were much changed from the team against Gargrave in the Craven cup Quarter final.  In came Ben Harrison, Spencer Jordan, Micheal Morrison and Damon Whelan for Sconce, Brown, Clark and Britton.  This was always going to be a tough fixture and the conditions were to play a major part with the wind blowing down the hill making it almost impossible to escape the bottom end of the pitch.
  Padiham won the toss and decided to play against the elements in the first half which meant long spells of defending their 18 yard box.  Town didn't take full advantage of the elements fully in the first half, being guilty of wasteful finishing and at times picking the wrong option when in dangerous positions. 
  Ben Mousley and Morrison were looking particularly dangerous and it was that combination which set up the first chance with Morrison flicking the ball into his path.  Mousley's shot was tame and the keeper collected with ease.  Town won a series of free kicks and corners and Spencer Jordan whipped in a dangerous free kick which just about eluded the men running in with the ball agonisingly wide of the far post.  Morrison headed wide from a corner which usually he would dispatch with ease.  At the back Harrison, Chew, Cavanagh and Ellerton were dealing with Padihams attack with a minimum of fuss. Britton and Jordan were dominating in the midfeld area prompting attack after attack.  Cavanagh then played Mousley in again but again his finish was tame.  In the 40th minute Town took the lead when Morrison again flicked on and Mousley this time made no mistake with a cracking finish into the far top corner.  No more than Town desrved.
  Town went in at the break knowing it was going to be a tough second half against the elements.  Town decided to play deep to nullify the speed of Egan with the obvious ball being the one in behind and this seemed to work a treat.  Chew and Cavanagh mopped up attack after attack with the midfield defending the space in front.  Town created the better chances as well Jordan missing twice with good breaks from Ellerton and Airdrie who replaced Whelan after 60 minutes.  Padiham were only really looking dangerous from set pieces and when Woodcock decided to stay put the on coming forward put wide with Padihams only real chance of note.  Ben Harrison and Ellerton were tireless stopping crosses into the box and Morrison was taking the pressure off the defence with his excellent hold up play bringing the other forward players into the game.  This was a very disciplined and hard working performance by Town with everyones attitude excellent.  Long may it continue.  Special praise for Chris Gaskell and Ben hall on the sidelines who did an excellent job also.  AFC Liverpool this weekend at Formby which will be another tough away game.

Team-Woodcock,Harrison,Ellerton,Chew,Cavanagh,Britton,S Jordan,Halliwell,Morrison,Mousley(Bell),Whelan(Airdrie).SNU-K.Britton,Anderson,Gaskell.

Barnoldswick Town 5 v Alsager Town 0

For this match Town had almost a full compliment of players to choose from, Bill Williams back from injury and Jack Overson from holiday. James Mann coming into the team as Billy Carrington was unavailable, Shaun Clough coming in at left back.
The game was played in steady rain which made the ball zip about on the wet turf. Town were the first to show Liam Blades being prominent down the Alsager left, he picked up the ball and crossed to find Michael Morrison on the edge of the penalty area, he side stepped a defender to produce an opening but his shot was straight at Antony Intihar in the Alsager goal. Town took the lead after 13 minutes when a poor clearance from Intihar was quickly picked up by the Town attack, the ball was fed to Robbie Smith who moved into the penalty area before chipping the keeper from a very tight angle over his head into the far top corner. Alsager responded when Tim Grice got in at the back of the Town defence, but his shot went across the face of the Town goal and past the far post, when he should at least have worked Mann in the Town goal. The play was going from end to end and Adam Hayton picked up the ball from another Blades cross and side footed towards goal from the edge of the penalty area, Intihar seeing the ball squirm from his grasp quickly recovered the situation before a Town player could take advantage. Straight down to the other end Alsager won a free kick just outside the box,from the kick the ball ran loose in the penalty area Neil Chapman doing well to block a goal bound shot by hurling his body in the way. At the other end Smith tried to put Liam Garbutt through but Mathew Walker just managed to get a toe to the ball as it looked like Garbutt would be through on goal. Aiden Horton took a free kick just outside the Town box but his shot was competently saved by Mann. Blades was enjoying plenty of ball down the Alsager left, and another great cross caused problems in the Alsager defence, Robbie Molloy heading clear under great pressure. Alsager with 4 minutes left to halftime again got in behind the Town defence, this time Darren Chadwick saw his shot saved at the near post by Mann. Town ended the half by scoring their second goal, it came about after sustained pressure around the Alsager penalty area saw Blades make a pinpoint cross to the far post where Garbutt headed home.
If the first half had been reasonably even apart from the two goals Town scored, the second was really one way traffic as Town hunted more goals with football of the purest form. Nine minutes into the half saw Chapman hit the post Smith shooting home from the rebound to make it three. Five minutes later Garbutt pulled the ball back to Smith who saw Intihar forced into making the save. A minute later it was Smith again looking for his hat trick, Intihar was drawn off his line into making a save, the ball was half cleared to halfway inside the Alsager half, Smith quickly spotting the keeper off his line fired in a great shot that hit the top of the post rebounding to safety. Town then made three substitutions in five minutes,Blades (65), Morrison and Garbutt (70) making way for, Jack Overson, Stewart Airdrie and Robert Grimes. With Town producing great football other goals looked like coming at any time. Two more goals did come and both from substitutes. First after 79 minutes Airdrie was put through on the Alsager left, he out ran the defence and although he was tackled as he shot he slid the ball wide of Intihar into the far bottom corner. The last goal saw quick incisive passing around and inside the Alsager penalty area which ended with Airdrie playing the ball to Grimes who swivelled and curled a fantastic shot into the far top corner, Intihar could only watch as the ball hit the back of the net, Grimes celebrating like Floyd Mayweather.
That makes it seven games unbeaten and moves Town up to 3rd in the table. An excellent performance in difficult conditions.

Report from Lancashire Evening Telegraph

UPBEAT and focused Barnoldswick Town made light of teeming rain and turned on the style to thrash hapless Alsager at a soaking but gleeful Silentnight Stadium on Saturday.
The nap happy locals shot up into third spot in the Vodkat League Premier Division table thanks to their heroics – and while top spot seems a distance away as they trail New Mills by 13 points on level games, second is in their reach.
United now trail Winsford by 11 points but have a whopping five games in hand – and with 13 matches of their debut season at this level to play anything is possible.
Certainly Barlick are attractive to watch and Alsager simply could not cope with the pass and move philosophy which raised the spirits on a foul afternoon.
Alsager, wearing a Port Vale strip, were never really in the game and after a bright start Barlick that could have resulted in a goal went in front on 13 minutes when Robbie Smith forced his way into the box before squeezing a shot home.
The Staffordshire side almost pulled a goal back with their only serious attack when Callum Westray showed a tremendous touch and a burst of pace to shake off Russell Clarke only to force his shot wide – and that miss was as good as it got for the visitors.
On the stroke of half time Liam Blades swirled a cross over and Liam Garbutt headed home beautifully at the back post.
That was as good as game over and when Smith reacted to stab home the third after Neil Champion’s effort came off the post.
Smith was hunting his hat-trick and was twice denied by fine saves from Tony Latham, who was helpless 11 minutes from time when Barlick co-boss Stewart Airdrie broke clear and kept his nerve to finish well despite pressure from Rob Molloy.
And four minutes from time the rout was completed when Robert Grimes, who had been denied a stonewall penalty moments earlier, finished with aplomb – and celebrated with some less than impressive moves – to give the locals their high five.
They look good and have hit form at the right time. Not bad for a side playing West Lancashire League football 22 months ago.
Seven games unbeaten and the business end of the season coming up.
The Barlick rise has been stunning – and there is no sign of it slowing up just yet

Matt Donlan Reporter

Barnoldswick Town 0 v Atherton LR 4

Town once again rotated the starting line up. Jack Overson coming in at rightback, Liam Blades moving to the left. Aaron Hollindrake was still out injured.
The night was still with just a light drizzle so a game where the ball would zip about was expected. Both teams started well moving the ball around, but it was the Town who went nearest to a goal first after 6 minutes. Liam Garbutt was put through on goal, he ran into the penalty area but his shot hit the legs of Martin Pearson in the Atherton goal David Hill the Atherton defender clearing the danger. Atherton went straight up the other end and scored, a move that went across the Town defence saw Bradley Cooke strike a fierce shot across James Mann in the Town goal into the far corner. Town were annoyed by the Referee Mr Pope a minute later as Robbie Smith broke through the defence only for him to blow up as Bradley Cooke was down with a head injury. Atherton increased their lead after 15 minutes when they were awarded a free kick outside the Town penalty area, as the ball was played in the defence seemed static leaving the ball to each other, Mark Prince came in at the back post and slammed the ball home. Town to their credit responded immediately, the ball being played to Smith who hit the bar from 8 yards out, the ball fell to Spencer Jordan but his shot was blocked by a desperate tackle for a corner. Cooke tried a looping header from an Atherton free kick but fortunately for Town it landed on top of the net and not in it.
As much as Town tried their shots on goal were being blocked by desperate tackles with hardly anything getting through to Pearson. Adam Hayton shot, it was blocked by Robert Sloanston it rebounded to Neil Chapman and his shot was cleared by Hill for another corner. From that Pearson made a brilliant save from a Garbutt header at the far post. From the corner the ball broke free, Hayton seeing his shot blocked again on the 6 yard line, this time to safety. Atherton's nearest attempt at goal came just before halftime when Philip Howard was put through but he fluffed his shot much to the relief of the Town defence.
Town reorganised at halftime, Blades and Overson switching sides. It nearly paid off two minutes into the second half when Blades crossed to Chapman but he miss kicked in front of goal. Blades was beginning to work well down the Atherton left, crosses saw Joshua Hill clear a Russell Clarke shot from 6 yards out, the ball rebounded to Blades whose next cross was cleared for a corner. The pressure was beginning to build on the Atherton defence but Town couldn't find a way through. From the corner Blades fed Overson who skipped past the full back into the penalty area pulling the ball back to Chapman but once again his shot was blocked. A defensive slip after 53 minutes let Chapman in but his shot was screwed wide of the far post. Town then brought on Shaun Clough (67) in place off Clarke. The Town players were getting the opportunity to shoot at goal but they were always blocked by a resilient Atherton defence. The first shot at Town's goal in the second half came from Cooke after 73 minutes and that was blazed well over the bar.
Town then brought on Stewart AIrdrie and Michael Morrison (77) replacing Spencer Jordan and Adam Hayton.
But it was Atherton who nearly scored with eleven minutes left, Overson heading clear then recovering to block a shot at close range to safety. At the other end a Smith shot looked on target until it hit Chapman and went for a goal kick. Morrison tried a shot from just inside the box but it was deflected for a corner. At the other end Atherton were awarded a free kick well outside the penalty area, Cooke took it and Mann in the Town goal had all on to keep it out as it skimmed off the wet turf hitting his body.
Smith at the other end saw Pearson dive full length to tip his shot onto the post and to safety. From this save the ball was played out wide to Robert Smith who took the ball on deep into the Town half before crossing to Joshua Lynch who cracked the ball home. Worse was to follow as in their next attack Atherton were awarded another free kick, this time Mark Prince hammered it home to stun the Town players.
This looks like a heavy defeat and score wise it is, but it does not portray the story of the game, as Atherton after scoring early on set out their stall to give the Town no room when coming forward, perhaps Town were guilty at times of trying to elaborate too much instead of taking a shot at goal? Anyway that's football, you can't win them all.

Barnoldswick Town 2 v Glossop North End 1

The first 15 min’s was a very even and scrappy affair neither side really adapting to the change in under foot conditions. The first chance falling to the visitors when a dangerous free kick on the edge of the box was well cleared by Robbie Smith. Glossop scored  first when a long throw bounced harmlessly into the 6 yard box and Hind pounced to hammer the ball past debut keeper Chris Thompson. this was probably one of the very few hi-lights of the first period although Liam Garbutt shot just inches wide with half time beconing.
The second half saw the homesters more in the ascendancy Bill Williams heading just wide in the very 1st minute, Town’s pressure was starting to show with wave after wave of attacks being thwarted by a stubborn Glossop defence, but as is the case at Barnoldswick on a rare attack ,Thompson again made a fine reflex save. After 70mins Town substituted the outstanding Robert Grimes for Stewart Airdrie and 2mins (72) later Town were level, a needless penalty given away when Garbutt was felled in the box, confidently dispatched by Smith. This seemed to really spur the Town on and 9 min’s later Airdrie broke through Glossop’s defence but was well tackled by the opposing centre half, however the ball squirted away to Neil Chapman on the corner of the box who without hesitation curled the ball past a static keeper, a great goal. There was still time for the excellent Thompson to pull off 2 more fine saves in the last 5 minutes to keep the home fans biting their nails. A good game well Refereed played in a good spirit, the Town deserved winners in the end.

Daisy Hill Res 0 Barnoldswick Town Res 3

This was a game played in very tough conditions with the pitch rutted it was always going to be tough to play football.  There were 2 changes from the team at Padiham with Morrison and Jordan being replaced by Kieran Lee and Kieran Britton.
  Town were attacking the clubhouse in the first half and were the more dangerous attacking side with 3 corners forced in the first 5 minutes. Mousley got a good firm header in at the front post but a combination of keeper and defender pushed the ball round the post.  It wasn't long before Barnoldswick took the lead as Chew played Whelan in down the right and he finished well past the onrushing keeper.  Town took a real grip of the game now and tried to pass the ball more quickly but the pitch hampered this somewhat.  Mousley got Town's second when he received the ball about 20 yards out and curled the ball round the keeper into the far top corner.  Town remained on top for the remainder of the half and went in 2-0 up.
  The second half started just the same as the first had finished with Town on top,  Woodcock hit a long kick forward and a bit of indecision between the keeper and centre half saw Mousley finish his second.  This seemed to kick Daisy Hill into life and they started to attack more.  A cross in from Town's right hand side saw Woodcock tip a header against the bar and away to safety.  Chew and Cavanagh were dealing with the threat that Daisy Hill posed with balls into the box.  Woodcock saved well again from a free kick, fisting away and out of the danger zone.  Coates came on for K.Britton and showed some nice touches and tested the keeper a couple of times. Anderson came on for Mousley and again at 16 showed some quality with a nice turn past a defender and getting a cross in which the keeper gathered.  Again Anderson was released down the left by skipper Liam Britton and the keeper pulled off a good save down to his right, which found the feet of Halliwell and his shot was cleared off the line. Halliwell and Coates combined well to set up another chance which the keeper smothered.
  A difficult game out of the way with another one on the way with AFC Darwen being the visitors to the Silentnight stadium on Tuesday night. 

Team-Woodcock,Harrison(Gaskell),Ellerton,Britton,Chew,Cavanagh,Lee,Halliwell,Mousley(Anderson),K.Britton(Coates),Whelan.

Maine Road 2 v Barnoldswick Town 1

Town started the game off well when Shaun Clough played a great ball across the field to Robbie Smith, he cut into the penalty area towards the byline and crossed onto the 6 yard area, Andrew Jones in the Maine Road goal having to dive to smother the ball before a Town player could get the advantage. Town did however take the lead after 6 minutes, another glorious ball from Clough switched the play from right to left, Liam Blades picked up the ball and pulled it back from the byline, Smith dummied the ball at the near post allowing it to run across goal to Neil Chapman who made no mistake from 10 yards out, tucking the ball low into the corner of Jones net.
Maine Road equalised after 14 minutes, Town through some sloppy defending allowed the Maine Road winger to take the ball on before crossing into the 6 yard area, Alastair Holden easily heading unmarked past Chris Thompson in the Town goal. From then on in the first half it was all Maine Road, Thompson had to be alert to stop Holden increasing his goal tally as he raced towards goal one on one. Another scare for Town after 29 minutes when a freekick was played to the Town back post, it was headed back across goal and Maine Road had three chances to score as the ball pinged about in the Town 6 yards area.
Town then had a forced substitution (31) Jack Overson coming on the replace Robbie Smith who was injured in an earlier tackle.
Town had a real chance to go in ahead when deep into injury time a Maine Road defender slipped letting both Chapman and Liam garbutt through but the Referee who had a really poor game blew for a freekick to the homesters with no one really knowing what for.
Town conceded a second goal 5 minutes into the second half, poor defending saw Holden score his second from a really tight angle. At this point it was all Maine Road and Robert Brocklehurst after another lapse in the Town defence raced through on goal, again it was Thompson saving the day at the expense of a corner.
Thompson was again called into action this time saving at the feet of Holden, as he was seeking his hat trick. Town then took off Clough (70) bringing on Aaron Hollindrake, to try to salvage something from the match. Town started to exert a bit of pressure as the Maine Road players looked to tire a little. Blades burst through on the Maine Road left and was callously brought down just outside the penalty area, the Maine Road player receiving a yellow card when red would possibly have been more appropriate. With 5 minutes left Town brought on Stewart Airdrie to replace Chapman. right on full time a cross into the Maine Road penalty area saw Bill Williams get his head to a cross, the ball fell to Airdrie who shot but it was blocked to safety. Then deep into injury time Airdrie broke free on the left and pulled the ball back, the ball hit towards goal bounced up three yards from goal to Garbutt, he headed goalwards but a Maine Road defender was there to clear off the line.
A fair result in the end, Maine Road deserving their win. For Town it was a case of giving the ball away to easily, and a lot of their passing never made the intended target and were easily cut out.

Barnoldswick Town Res 1 v AFC Darwen 0

  Barlick went into the game somewhat depleted as  Lee, Coates and Harrison were all missing from the squad.  Into the squad came Ash Smith, Adam Greenwood and Paul Sconce.  Darwen started the game the brighter and were keeping the ball much better than Town not aided by the hard playing surface but the defence snuffed out any problems.  Darwen won a couple of corners but never really hurt the Town back 4.  As seems to be the case Town created the first real chance when Ellerton surged forward and played two 1-2's with Mousley and Halliwell and was released into the box but hit weakly with his right when he looked certain to score. Town were finding it tough going but Whelan and young Kieran Britton were causing problems down both flanks but final deliveries let both down.  Again Britton was taking a grip of the game in the middle and snuffing out any danger in front of the back 4.  Halliwell and Smith were starting to find there range but the goal from Mousley came from a long kick from Woodcock.  The ball could only be flicked on by the last man and Mousley read the situation and coolly rounded the keeper and rolled the ball past 2 despairing defenders.  Minutes later and Mousley found himself clean through from a Sconce pass but put wide.  Whelan then got on the end of a Kieran Britton cross and volleyed powerfully but the keeper pulled off a great save to push the ball wide.  Barlick went in at half time a goal to the good.
  The second half was a strange affair as Town laboured and did not keep the ball well enough. Mousley again looking dangerous put a couple of early efforts wide.  Halliwell came more into the game and was starting to control his area of the pitch and find the wide men with more frequency.  The defence was a lot busier in the second half and Sconce, Chew, Cavanagh and Ellerton were holding strong and looking comfortable.  On a rare occasion they were breached Woodcock came out and smothered the ball at the Darwen centre forwards feet.Town did get into some promising positions but were guilty of wasteful finishing or applying a poor final ball.  Anderson came on for K. Britton and was straight into the game but again was a tad wasteful in good positions. Darwen kept plucking away but Town looked solid.  Gaskell came on for the tireless Mousley and started to hold the ball up again, something which Town struggled to do throughout.  It was Gaskell who had the last chance of the game when he tackled the full back turned him inside out and the keeper made a great 1 on 1 save down to his left.
  The game finished 1-0 in a tough encounter for Barlick, who have two home games on the bounce, Home to Padiham on saturday and then Wigan on Tuesday night.

Team-Woodcock,Sconce,Ellerton,Chew,Cavanagh,Britton,Smith,Halliwell,K.Britton(Anderson),Mousley(Gaskell),Whelan.snu Greenwood.

Padiham 3 v Barnoldswick Town 0

Town started this derby match bereft of it's midfield, Robbie Smith, Robert Grimes both unavailable because of injuries picked up midweek at Maine Road. On the brighter side Aaron Hollindrake was able to start after missing games through injury.
Town started well, a good move down the Padiham left saw Neil Chapman cross deep into the Padiham penalty area, the ball ran loose to Shaun Clough whose shot was blocked 8 yards out to safety. Padiham kicking down the slope took the lead after 7 minutes, a free kick given away by Town on the halfway line was taken by Thomas Bradley to the far side of the Town penalty area, the ball was half cleared to Paul Fildes 25 yards out, his shot was well covered by Chris Thompson in the Town goal until it took a wicked bounce rearing up of the turf and over him, an unfortunate goal for Town to concede. Town should have equalised four minutes later, Clough doing good work on the Padiham right managed to get the ball to Hollindrake who went through one tackle, the ball breaking to Chapman who from 8 yards out side footed wide of the Padiham post under no pressure at all from the Padiham defence. Town still continued to force Padiham back and an Adam Hayton cross found Lewis Jordan racing onto the ball but he lifted his shot over the bar from another good position.
Another quick counter attack down the Padiham right saw Liam Garbutt win a corner, Hayton swung the corner over to the far post. Jack Overson getting up well heading towards goal where a Padiham defender cleared off the line. Town continued to press forward Hollindrake seeing Sean Davis in the Padiham goal diving to save his shot on goal.
At the other end Thompson had to be alert to stop an Overson defensive header from going into the net at the expense of a corner. From the corner Lewis Jordan headed over his own bar for another corner.From this corner the ball was half cleared, Stuart Telfer picking the ball up for Padiham and cracking a tremendous shot at goal, this time Thompson rose like a salmon tipping the ball over the bar, a brilliant save.
Going in at half time only one down, meant that the Town were still in the game. However this changed two minutes into the second half, a cross from the Town left saw Lewis Jordan fail to head clear, the ball fell at the feet of Edward O'Neill who immediately crossed deep into the Town penalty area where Lloyd Balazs promptly slotted home into the bottom corner. Town were reeling for awhile after this setback, Balazs side footing wide from a good position and Spencer Jordan making a timely tackle on Balazs to stop him scoring. Town had about five minutes of consistent pressure on the Padiham defence culminating after 68 minutes when Chapman shot from 10 yards out towards the bottom corner of Davis's goal, Davis dived full length to tip the ball round the post for a corner. Town brought on Stewart Airdrie to replace Adam Hayton (76), but four minutes later Padiham were 3 goals up, a Town attack was broken up, the ball quickly played forward to Fildes, he moved into the Town penalty area side stepped Bill Williams who slipped slightly and buried the ball into the net giving Thompson no chance.
Not a good result for Town, especially on the back of the midweek loss to Maine Road. But had they taken their chance the result could have been different.

Reserve Cup Quarter Final

Barnoldswick Town Res 0 v Padiham Res 0 aet
Padiham won 3-2 on penalties

  Town's second string went into the game with no Harrison, Gaskell, Halliwell, Sconce, Garvey, Bell or Bancroft.  Added to this Clark was injured and on the bench, Britton came off with a knee problem and Ellerton with a broken nose it is fair to say the lads can be pleased that they pushed the league leaders so far in this game.
  Town were defending the sewer in the first half and it was a tentative first half with neither side creating much in the way of chances but Egan was always going to be dangerous on the break.  The first chance fell to Padiham and it was Ripley with a good volley from 20 yards but straight at Woodcock in Towns goal.  This seemed to galvanise Town a little and they had a couple of half chances but the Padiham keeper dealt with them with a minimum of fuss.  The only other real action came when Egan latched on to a loose ball and tried to clip it past Chew who handled and was subsequently booked, the resulting free kick didn't clear the wall.  Britton had to leave the field so Clark replaced him after 30 mins.  Half time 0-0 and defences on top.
  The second half started a little brighter for Town and Britton broke down the left and crossed to Coates who played the ball back to Mousley who rifled over.  The Town had their best chance when Adam Greenwood crossed from the right and Clark flicked his header past the keeper but it came back off the upright.  Padiham then had a chance but Woodcock pulled off a stunning stop to his right from a vicious shot on the turn from Ripley.  Both sides kept plugging away, Ellerton then came off with a broken nose after being caught with an elbow.  Town held on until Full time without conceding and Extra time couldn't find a winner. 
  The dreaded spot kicks undid Town’s hard work when only Lee and Chew scored with Whelan, Mousley and Cavanagh all missing.  Town can be proud of their efforts in this game as they were seriously depleted.  400 minutes without conceding a goal with a very hard working performance.  It’s not fair to single anyone out for special praise as the entire team gave everything they had.  Wigan Robin Park at home on Tuesday night at home.  Another tough game with more to come and the injury list growing.

Team-Woodcock,Greenwood,Ellerton(Anderson),Chew,Cavanagh,Britton(Clark),Lee,Whelan,Mousley,Coates,K.Britton

Barnoldswick Town Res 4 v Wigan Robin Park Res 2

  Town went into the game with a mountain of injuries and concerns, also unable to borrow any first team players because of the injury crisis at the minute, Town drafted in some players for a tough encounter.  Out were Chew, Gaskell, L.Britton, Mousley, Ellerton, B.Harrison, Bancroft, Garvey and Coates.  In came Halliwell, Richardson, Sconce, Smith, Bradshaw and Matt Harrison.  On the bench were Oldroyd, both Britton's(carrying knocks), Mousley(hamstring) and young Ryan Anderson.
  Town shooting towards the barn end started slowly and Wigan looked very slick and powerful but the back four weathered the storm and it was Town who took the lead when skipper for the night Cavanagh met a wicked corner from Damon Whelan to make it 1-0.  Town carried on in the same vein, Bradshaw shot wide when in a good position and Whelan hit the side netting with another good strike from a Matt Harrison centre.  Whelan also hit the bar with a cross come shot and then the ball was cleared off the line in a very good spell for Town before they notched their second. Another Whelan corner was bundled in by Halliwell who was starting to get a grip of the game and control of the opposing no 10.  Richardson hit a cracking free kick which had goal written all over it if it had hit the target.  Town finished the half on top and what was pleasing was the tempo and the hard work they showed closing down their opponents in their own half.
  The second half started much the same as the first did with Wigan on top and this time the pressure told as Wigan forced themselves back into the game capitalising on some hesitant defending at a corner to make it 2-1.  Town though didn't stop and give up, they do what they do best and attacked and were soon 3-1 up when Whelan who was a menace all night burst onto a Halliwell pass to smash a cross into the box which Bradshaw finished with aplomb.  Mousley came on for Bradshaw and Oldroyd for Harrison and made contributions right away.  Oldroyd started to hold the ball a bit more allowing other players to play off him and Mousley's pace is always a threat especially on the break as Wigan were pushing to get back into the game.  Again Whelan broke down the right and delivered another peach of a cross for Mousley to score Towns fourth and seal the win.  This was the goal of the night as the speed of the break was excellent and a joy to watch.  Richardson was replaced by K Britton after his first 90 for nearly 2 seasons which was pleasing to see as he never looked in trouble at any time.  He will be a big plus for the club if he can regain his full fitness this summer.  Wigan got their consolation in the dying minutes when again a bit hesitancy saw the forward break clear and finish well past Woodcock.  Praise must be given to Woodcock who was again excellent in goal and saved a free kick in the last minute and then the follow up.  This was a tough game and Town have still to go to Wigan which will be a tough encounter at the end of April.

Team- Woodcock,Greenwood,Richardson(K.Britton),Sconce,Cavanagh,Lee,Smith,Halliwell,Whelan,M.Harrison(Oldroyd),Bradshaw(Mousley).snu.L.Britton,Anderson.

Formby 1 v Barnoldswick Town 2

Town started this difficult away game with 8 first team players missing from the starting line up. Liam Blades, Russell Clarke, Bill Williams, Lewis Jordan, Robbie Smith, Robert Grimes, Adam Hayton and Stewart Airdrie, most of them missing through injury. However a boost for Town came in midweek when Manager Kevin Richardson came through 80 minutes of the second team game at home to Wigan Robin Park, his first game since the first game of last season when he sustained a knee ligament injury. Second team players Damon Whelan, Stephen Chew, Thomas Halliwell and Mathew Cavanagh (making his first team debut) starting the game with Ben Mousley on the bench. The game itself was doubtful after heavy overnight and early morning rain, the match being allowed to go ahead after a 1:30 pm inspection. One would have thought that the rain would have given the pitch a receptive surface but in actual fact the bounce of the ball was unpredictable making it hard to control.
Town set off well with Neil Chapman threading the ball through the Formby defence for Whelan to run onto but Dennis Barlow in the Formby goal just beat him to the ball to save. From an early corner Aaron Hollindrake hooked the ball first time, the ball just skimming over the bar. Formby's first attempt on goal was smothered by Chris Thompson in the Town goal after 10 minutes. Formby started to come more into the game and David McLoughlin fired a shot wide from 30 yards out. Town responded when Cavanagh put a great ball in behind the Formby defence for Liam Garbutt to run onto but Anthony Brown managed to block his shot with a timely tackle. Garbutt again caused problems for the Formby defence turning and shooting the shot once again blocked, this time it fell to Whelan who shot left footed curling the ball towards the far post, Barlow diving to save.
Formby could have taken the lead after 33 minutes when Jack Overson made a brilliant tackle to block an Andrew McCoy shot on the 6 yards line. Town were then rocked by another injury after 38 minutes, Shaun Clough pulling up with back problems again, Kevin Richardson coming on at left back. Straight away the Town defence was under pressure, Overson again making a telling block to keep a shot out. Right on half time a slick Formby attack saw Shaun Harris cross the ball to McCoy he got his shot away but it was charged down by the Town defence, Thompson smothering the rebound.
Town could easily have taken the lead 6 minutes into the second half, a great ball put Hollindrake clear on goal but the ball took an extraordinary bounce and kicked on towards a grateful Barlow in the Formby goal. Town then replaced Whelan with Ben Mousley (56) who was another debutant for the first team. Cavanagh came to Town's rescue after 70 minutes blocking a shot on the 6 yard line for a corner. Town then had a ten minute spell which changed the game. First after 71 minutes Garbutt picked the ball up just inside the Formby half and ran at the defence beat one defender and slipped the ball past Barlow only for it to bounce agonisingly past the far post. Another Town cross had Barlow flapping at the ball and having to hack it clear as Hollindrake and Garbutt put him under pressure. Town did take the lead in their next attack when a bad back pass failed to reach the keeper, Mousley latching onto the ball moving just inside the penalty area and easily slipping it past Barlow to open the scoring. Five minutes later and it was two as Garbutt picked up another through ball to this time from Stephen Chew to easily score giving Barlow no chance. Formby to their credit kept pressing and it paid off with seven minutes left on the clock, the ball wasn't cleared on the Town 6 yard line, McCoy scoring with a low shot into the corner. But it was Town who came nearest to scoring with three minutes left on the clock, when a Hollindrake, Garbutt combination put Mousley through, his strike on goal being tipped round the post by Barlow for a corner.
Given the number of players missing and the unpredictability of the bounce of the ball this must have given the Town Management some satisfaction, Overson holding the back line together well. Town stopping a run of two successive defeats.

Congleton Town 3 v Barnoldswick Town 3

For the second game in a row Town had first team players missing, Shaun Clough, Adam Hayton, Robbie Smith, Robert Grimes, Liam Blades and Stewart Airdrie. Thankfully Russell Clarke and Lewis Jordan came back into the side.
Town started well, Arron Hollindrake getting in down the Congleton right crossing the ball towards Spencer Jordan but he hesitated and the chance was gone. Richard Bailey got a shot away from the edge of the area after 8 minutes, Chris Thompson in the Town goal saving at the foot of his post. Play was moving from end to end at a brisk pace, Hollindrake curling a shot at goal Matthew Conkie making a comfortable save. Hollindrake again caused problems in the Congleton defence when he shot from a tight angle, Conkie palmed the ball away but only to the feet of Stephen Chew, he snatched at the shot screwing it across the face of goal with the goal gaping, he was all alone and could have taken a touch.
Town continued to press, a quick attack caught Congleton out, Lewis Jordan slipping the ball to Liam Garbutt whose shot rattled the Congleton cross bar and over. Congleton were also pressing and Daniel Griggs had a shot deflected for a corner, which Jack Overson managed to clear. Town nearly went ahead again after 33 minutes,a free kick on the left went to the far side of the penalty area, Clarke picked the ball up and picked out Bill Williams on the 6 yard line, his overhead kick just going the wrong side of the post. Straight to the other end saw Bailey shoot just wide of the Town post. Play was still end to end Spencer Jordan firing wide for Town, Shane Reaney for Congleton. Reaney again managed to get a shot away, the ball deflecting off Overson, Thompson in the Town goal had to change direction and dive the other way to tip the ball round the post.
All Square at half time but there had been plenty of action. Town set off well again in the second half, a free kick won just outside the penalty area saw Hollindrake get a shot away, it was blocked but rebounded to Garbutt, his shot drilled the wrong side of the post again. In the next minute Garbutt found himself one on one with Conkie, he tried to go round the keeper rather than shoot, Conkie made the save the ball bouncing to Neil Chapman who blasted the ball over the bar. Thompson was again called upon to tip the ball round the post from a Congleton shot.
Congleton took the lead after 63 minutes, a corner played into the Town penalty area caught the defence out, the unmarked player crossing to the far post for Mark Fitton to head home, a really sloppy goal to give away.
Town then substituted Stephen Chew (66) bringing on Damon Whelan. After this both defence's appeared to open up. First the ball was bouncing all over inside the Town penalty area, Bill Williams eventually making a great tackle to clear the ball out of danger, the ball was immediately launched upfield and the ball was bouncing all round the Congleton area, this time the ball fell to Spencer Jordan 10 yards out who rifled the ball home through a packed area (73). Three minutes later Congleton took the lead again, a free kick taken 30 yards out was well covered by Thompson, but the ball took a big deflection, Thompson dived back and managed to get a palm on the ball but couldn't hold it, Philip Parkinson having an easy task of tapping home.
Not to be out done Town equalised immediately, Overson took the ball to the byline, drew a defender and slipped the ball back to Whelan, his cross to the far post was headed in by Garbutt to put the teams level again. However Congleton regained the lead a minute later, a long ball caught out the Town defence, Reaney having the simplest of tasks in lobbing the advancing Thompson from 25 yards out. The game was wide open at this point, as Town pressed for the equaliser gaps opened up and the Town defence had to be on alert. With 9 minutes left an Overson cross found Garbutt 10 yards out, he moved to one side and let fly at goal, but the ball was inches the wrong side of the post. Then with 5 minutes left, Whelan again put over a peach of a ball to the near post, Hollindrake moved in and made no mistake with a thumping header.
Still more goals looked like coming, Clarke making a brilliant tackle to clear the danger with three minutes left. However there were no more goals, a draw was probably the best result for both teams. Certainly the spectators were the winners.

Barnoldswick Town 1 v New Mills AFC 4

For this clash with the Champions elect Town still had injury problems. Shaun Clough passed a fitness test before the match, but Robbie Smith, Robert Grimes and Liam Blades were still out.
The pitch had dried out from the rain earlier in the week and could give an uneven bounce.
Town couldn't have had a better start when Spencer Jordan picked the ball up just outside the penalty area, sold a great dummy to two defenders and slotted the ball home with his left foot leaving Ben Proctor in the New Mills goal rooted to the spot. Town had started well, Aaron Hollindrake made a great run to the edge of the penalty area but his curling shot was charged down. Liam Garbutt then put pressure on the New Mills defence Nicholas Swirad clearing for a corner from three yards out with Garbutt in close attendance.
New Mills equalised after 20 minutes when a speculative shot from Carlos Meakin from fully 30 yards out squirmed from the grasp of Chris Thompson in the Town goal, and spun over his body into the net. Town responded, a Spencer Jordan shot being cleared for a corner, Jack Overson heading the corner over the bar. Play was mostly confined to midfield with neither keeper under any undue pressure to make a save. New Mills however took the lead in the 45th minutes, a shot from close range took a deflection, Thompson made a great save tipping the ball onto the bar, unfortunately for Town it dropped down to the unmarked Dean Crowe standing virtually on the goal line who chested the ball in. An undeserved lead for New Mills as play had been fairly even up to that point.
The first chance of the second half fell to Town, Hollindrake heading on into the path of Garbutt, he quickly got a shot away with the side of this foot, but the ball was just too high and fell just over the bar on top of the net. New Mills increased their lead after 61 minutes, a great move started and finished by full back Swirad saw him take a one two and smash the ball from the edge of the penalty area across Thompson and into the far corner. Town should have pulled a goal back two minutes later. A great ball out wide left found Overson on his own, he took the ball on into the penalty area and pulled the ball back across goal to Hollindrake inside the 6 yard area in the centre of goal, somehow his shot ended up nearer the corner flag rather than the goal. Town then substituted Garbutt (70) for Damon Whelan, Garbutt had received plenty of punishment from the New Mills defence. Two minutes later New Mills made it four. another great strike from Meakin from just outside the area giving Thompson no chance. This brought Town's second substitution, Ben Mousley coming on for Shaun Clough. With 11 minutes left Adam hayton played a great ball wide to Whelan who was unmarked, he took the ball to the corner of the 6 yard line and shot high and wide, Mousley had moved unmarked to the far post and was probably the better option. Town had a chance to score their second goal when Liam Coyne handled a cross in the area, Neil Chapman blasting the penalty high over the bar, which probably summed up Town's day. In the last three minutes Town could have scored three goals, Hollindrake missed another from close range, a Mousley cross saw three Town players in the 6 yard box anyone of them could have scored but not one managed a shot on target. And a move by Overson who made a slick backheel to Mousley saw him cross again, once again Town's forwards missed from close range.
This seems like a heavy defeat, but the chances created shows that with more luck and poise in front of goal the result could have been closer.

Cheadle Town Res 0 v Barnoldswick Town Res 2

  Town came into this game without Ellerton, Mousley, Whelan, Bancroft, Garvey, Clark and Sconce. There was a welcome return for Chew, Bell, Harrison and both Brittons who were all missing with injuries last time out.  Cheadle were occupying the bottom spot in the league and as always in these sorts of games complacancy is always going to be a teams biggest enemy in a game such as this.  Barlick attacked from the off but not at the usual intensity that has been a hallmark of there season.  The pitch was bumby the sun was out and it had the feel of a end of season game, a game though that needed to be won.  Coates had the first opportunity of the match when he found himself one on one but his shot came back off the post and just evaded the outstretched leg of Harrison on the way back out.  Town though kept plugging away and Harrison this time had a shot turned away for a corner, the first of 8 in 10 minutes.  Cheadle were buckling and starting to make basic errors under the weight of Towns attacks.  Coates again found himself through but this time found the keepers chest in the way.  Kieran Britton was forcing the issue and proving to be a real threat down the left hand side.  He found himself in time and again and made the right backs day one to forget constantly getting in behind and delivering telling balls into the box.   The midfield were playing there part as well with Liam Britton again setting the tempo and Halliwell prompting attacks with his clever passing.  Town took the lead from a set piece when Harrison delivered into the box from the left, Chew made a run round the back and half volleyed back to Cavanagh who headed in superbly from the edge of the six yard box off the underside of the bar.  Town doubled their lead from another corner when a defender under pressure sliced into his own net.  Town took this advantage into the break and to be honest never looked like giving it up.  The second half started the same as the second had finished, with Town on the attack.  Chances were coming thick and fast and a Halliwell ball found the left foot of Britton who expertly controlled it and went past the fullback in one movement but pulled his shot wide of the far post.  It was Britton again when brother Liam found his excellent run but this time the keeper pulled off a great save.  Coates had another chance but shot wide and Harrison had a good strike turned away for a corner.  It was all Town with Woodcock only having to come and catch the odd cross.  Anderson came on for Greenwood and Burrow came on for Bell.  Town kept up the pressure but Cheadle managed to keep there goal intact in the second half.  Anderson again looked sharp and not out of place and could of had a couple of goals but for an inspired second half from the Cheadle goalkeeper.  Burrow looked dangerous and Kieran Lee looked sharper in the second half finding his range of passing.  Gaskell came on for Coates and could also have scored but shot wide.  The game ended 2-0 which flattered the homeside somewhat but a win is a win never the less.  Town have a difficult couple of weeks now with 5 games in 11 days.  The first of which is a difficult trip to Afc Liverpool on wednesday.

Team-Woodcock,Greenwood(Anderson),Bell(Burrow),Chew,Cavanagh,L.Britton(c),Lee,Halliwell,Coates(Gaskell),K.Britton,Harrison

Barnoldswick Town 1 v Bootle 2

  Town started this game without Grimes, Smith, Hayton and Garbutt due to injuries and other committments.  Town started the game at a brisk pace on a nice evening shooting towards the barn end.  The pace was frantic and no quarter was given in the midfield area with Town slightly on top and after 5 minutes Mousley went through only to be felled in the area with a high tackle.  Chapman who missed on saturday this time made no mistake as he tucked the ball confidently into the keepers bottom right hand corner.  Bootle seemed to rise to the challenge and started to attack with more purpose but found a resolute defensive trio of Clarke, Overson and Williams clearing their lines and getting in some good blocks around the edge of the area.  Bootles only real threat in the first half came from set pieces and the dangerous Jamie Hay who headed a fraction wide from a corner.  Town nearly doubled their lead though when some neat football saw Chapman rattle the crossbar from 20 yards with the keeper well beaten.  The ball bounced to safety though and out of the danger area.  Hollindrake and Mousley were working well together with their tireless workrate and not giving Bootles backline any time on the ball.  Just as Town looked to be going in one up Bootle won a corner and Town had not heeded their earlier warning as Hay again found himself unmarked and headed goalwards, Blades tried desparately to clear off the line but the Linesman gave a goal right on the stroke of half time.  Russ Clarke then gave away a free kick from 30 yards out which came to nothing but Clarke recieved a yellow for his troubles.  Town were a little unlucky to go in level at the break as they had been slightly the better side.  
  The second half saw Town attacking the sewer and looking for the early goal.  An early Chance for Lewis Jordan was dragged wide when he should really have hit the target. Town started to dominate the play keeping the ball for long spells and after some sharp passing Chapman got in behind the defence and could have gone down under a desparate challenge from Harberry but his honesty cost him another chance to take the lead from the spot.  It was Thompson who was tested next as Hay again tested the Barlick keeper with a fierce strike.  Town kept plugging away though and one of Blades' long throws was flicked on by Hollindrake, but Lewis Jordan got under the ball and the chance was gone as he volleyed over the bar.  For all Towns pushing it was Bootle who took the lead when Ronnie Morgan ran onto a pass and although Thompson got a hand to his shot the ball found the back of the net.  The sucker punch against the run of play.  Ellerton came on for Clough and was straight into the action as he found some space and got a shot away which the Bootle keeper did well to turn away after good work from Blades down the right.  Whelan came on and caused one or two different problems for Bootle but it just wasn't to be for Town as Bootle saw ou the remainder of the game.
  Town travel to Atherton LR on saturday in which will again be a tough match against a very well organised side.

Team-Thompson,Blades,Overson,Clarke,Williams,Chapman,L.Jordan,S.Jordan(Whelan)Clough(Ellerton),Hollindrake,Mousley.SNU-Chew,Richardson,Halliwell.

AFC Liverpool Res 2 v Barnoldswick Town Res 1

Town went into yet another game with people missing but cannot really blame that on the 3 points lost.  On a shocking pitch for this level of football Liverpool took the spoils in a closely fought game of two halves.  The match got underway and yet again Towns back four were looking very solid keeping the shape and doing the basics right, they neede to be on their toes as Liverpool were interchanging and keeping the ball very well but not getting in behind Barlick.  Town looked very dangerous on the break though and 1 such break in the 3rd minute saw Bancroft put in a great ball which was narrowly missed by the on rushing Coates.  Town did take the lead when Liam Britton broke up an attack and fed Whelan.  Whelan played in Coates who crossed to the back post for Kieran Britton who Turned his man inside out and finished in the bottom corner.  Liverpools threat was still being dealt with because all there football was being played in front of Towns back four who remained disciplined.   Town again broke and when Whelan fed Bell down Towns left he whipped in a great cross which Halliwell should have put away.  Town went in at the break 1-0 up and looking comfortable.
  The second half got under way and Town still looked in control knowing the only way Liverpool would score was from a mistake or ill discipline.  Woodcock was the first to be called into action when he gathered two long range efforts.  Liverpool started to play with more purpose and were attacking with intent still Town stood firm.  That was til the 65th minute when a hopeful cross into the box wasn't cleared properly.  Bell could only manage a side footed clearance which cruelly fell perfect for the Liverpool centre forward to round Cavanagh and slot past Woodcock.  Town introduced Gaskell to hold the ball up and again he did a great job with some delicate touches keeping the ball better than before.  Town kept plugging away but it was Liverpool who were now playing the better football as Town lost a bit of composure.  Woodcock was again tested but he saved well from the edge of the box.  Town had another break away when Chew fed Gaskell who layed off to Whelan who whipped in a cross just past the despairing Chew at the backpost.  Town were becoming less effective as the half wore on.  Liverpool took the lead when a Liverpool forward turned sharply in the box and finished emphatically.  This was pretty much the last of the goal mouth action as Liverpool proceeded to keep the ball very well and see the game out.
     Although the result was disappointing Town can take heart from the spirit shown for the last 6-7 games after the horror show that was Ashton Town away.  Most teams would have folded and given up but they have kept plugging away and injuries and the Glossop game have cost Town dearly this season.  They need to lift their heads and go again because saturday is the first of 4 games in 8 days, which again will be a real test of character.

Team-Woodcock,Harrison,Bell,Chew,Cavanagh,Bancroft(Burrow),L.Britton(C),Halliwell,Whelan,Coates(Gaskell),K.Britton.SNU-Anderson.

Barnoldswick Town 4 v Squires Gate 1

After their worst losing run of the season Town still couldn't field a full strength team. Skipper Russell Clarke, Robert Grimes, Stewart Airdrie, Spencer Jordan and Adam Hayton out for various reasons. On the plus side Robbie Smith passed a late fitness test and started after missing the last six games, and Liam Britton made his first start for the first team.
Squires Gate were the first to threaten after 5 minutes, a cross from deep on the Town right eluded the Town defenders dropping for Russell McKenna to volley wide when he should really have done better, a real let off for Town. Town thought they should have had a penalty after 12 minutes when a great through ball released Liam Garbutt on goal, but as he was about to slip the ball past Neil Beesley in the Squires Gate goal he was pushed in the back, causing him to lose his balance and the ball was cleared for a corner. That was about all the action that was worth reporting in a very nondescript first half with both defence's in total command.
The second half started with Town opening the scoring after 48 minutes, Garbutt crossing to the far post for Aaron Hollindrake to head home, Beesley getting a hand to the ball clawing it away from goal, but the linesman was in a good position to see that the ball had crossed the line. Four minutes later and Town increased their lead, once again it was Hollindrake who scored, Lewis Jordan crossing to the far post and Hollindrake heading back across inside the far post. The nearest Squires Gate came to scoring was on the hour when they were awarded a freekick just outside the Town penalty area, Chris Thompson palming the ball away from the top corner of his goal for a corner.
Jack Overson who was a monumental rock in the Town defence once again sallied forward into the Squires Gate penalty area pulling the ball back into the path of Robbie Smith but he put his volley was over the bar. He made up for the miss after 71 minutes when he played a one two with Hollindrake and chipped the keeper into the far top corner for a magnificent goal.
Town then took Neil Chapman off (72 mins), he had been the victim of a heavy challenge minutes earlier, Ben Mousley coming on. With six minutes left Town increased their lead to four goals, Garbutt slipping the ball to Smith inside the penalty area who slotted the ball home past Beesley into the bottom corner. Squires Gate scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot two minutes later, Town old boy Joe Shelmerdine scoring, Thompson in the Town goal getting a hand to the ball onto the post but it had enough pace on it to creep in.
That was a good win after the three consecutive losses, and sets Monday's game at Colne up nicely.

Colne 1 v Barnoldswick Town 1

Town still had players out through injury for this local derby match. Russell Clarke was on the bench along with Adam Hayton. Robbie Smith had a reaction after Saturday's game and Robert Grimes still hasn't recovered from a trapped sciatic nerve. The pitch was rock hard and control of the ball wasn't easy.
Town kicked down the slope in the first half the ball tending to run away from the players as they attacked. Colne were the first to show, Liam Blades made what appeared to be a decent tackle, the referee thought otherwise and awarded Colne a freekick on the corner of the penalty area. Joseph Garvin cracking a fierce shot onto the top of the Town bar and over with Chris Thompson in the Town goal looking on. Town's first good attempt on goal came after 31 minutes, Spencer Jordan played Aaron Hollindrake in on the corner of the 6 yard box, his shot hitting the legs of Jamie Scott in the Colne goal and went for a corner. The first half although entertaining for the spectators was dominated by both sets of defenders.
The second half started with Colne on the attack, winning three corners in a row as Town failed to clear their line. Town had to make a forced substitution after 62 minutes when Blades was injured, Hayton coming on. As the defence's continued to dominate Town were given a great chance to take the lead on 66 minutes. Hollindrake played a great ball into the Colne penalty area, Liam Garbutt found himself in a race for the ball with a Colne defender, he just about won the race and contact was made causing him to fall over. The referee pointed to the spot to the dismay of the Colne players. I think the referee was the only person in the ground that thought it was a penalty, however it didn't matter as Neil Chapman blasted his kick well over the bar.
Town were beginning to find their rhythm and pin Colne back in their own half. Town had to make another forced substitution when Liam Britton was injured after 67 minutes, Russell Clarke coming on. Chapman shot just wide and Bill Williams had the Colne defence scrambling to clear as he headed across goal. Colne were not out of the game and Thompson had to be on his guard as Steven Cunningham shot from just outside the box, Thompson saving at the foot of his post.
Colne though took the lead after 74 minutes, the Town defence failing to clear a corner at the near post. The ball ran loose inside the box, Samuel Hayes smashing it via a deflection past Thompson. Town took Chapman off after 79 minutes in another enforced substitution Ben Mousley coming on. Town equalised three minutes later, a great ball by Hollindrake down the Colne right to Lewis Jordan, his cross into the box saw a Garbutt shot blocked, it fell to Spencer Jordan around the penalty spot who smashed it into the net, a deserved equaliser. Town were the likely winners of the two, Williams heading over Scott but the ball ran agonisingly wide with Garbutt just unable to tap it in. Then right on full time Jack Overson threaded a great ball through the Colne defence, both Garbutt and Hollindrake raced onto it, both really got in each others way, Hollindrake it was who took the ball on but his shot although it beat Scott drifted wide of the far post.
Most would say a fair result, but certainly Town had the better of the second half with the first even.

New Mills 1 v Barnoldswick Town 1

For this match against the newly crowned Champions Town had a much depleted side out. Jack Overson, Adam Hayton, Robert Grimes, Liam Blades Neil Chapman all missing from the squad, Robbie Smith was on the bench. Into the team came Stephen Chew, Paul Sconce and Chris Clark.
The game started at a fast pace, the hard ground making it difficult to control the ball. Neither keeper was tested until the 15th minute when Aaron Hollindrake deftly flicked the ball past two defenders to Liam Garbutt on the corner of the 6 yard area, his fierce shot was palmed upwards across his goal by New Mills keeper Dominic Ingram-Hughes, luckily for him the ball just dropped the wrong side of the post with Spencer Jordan a boot width from turning it in. Two minutes later Russell Clarke played a cross field ball to Shaun Clough, his cross to hollindrake saw the Town striker beat two defenders but his final shot was just over the bar.
New Mills first strike at goal came after 20 minutes when Dean Crowe shot wide from a good position on the edge of the Town penalty area. Hollindrake replied at the other end crashing a shot just wide of the upright. Right on half time Town could have taken the lead, another Clough cross found Hollindrake who in turn threaded the ball through to Garbutt but his strike from 6 yards out went over the bar.
A big let off for Town four minutes into the second half. A corner on the Town left was poorly defended, the ball fell to Chris Hirst 6 yards from goal unmarked, his shot to the relief of the Town defenders hit the post and rebounded to safety.
Russell Clarke made a brilliant tackle after 57 minutes, Luke Horrocks managed to get through the Town defence One on One with Chris Thompson until Clarke came flying across to make a the tackle. Clarke then made other crucial tackles on Crowe twice as New Mills stepped up the pressure. The Town Back four was competing well Clarke, Stephen Chew, Bill Williams and Clough all doing a sterling job. The hard working midfield of the two Jordan brothers, Clark and Sconce giving as good as they got.
Town nearly took the lead after 77 minutes, a freekick was awarded on the New Mills right outside the penalty area, Clough sent over a pinpoint cross for Hollindrake to rise above Luke Podmore and head powerfully back across goal, just as it seemed the ball was dipping under the bar into the far top corner, Ingram-Hughes leapt and clawed the ball to safety from under the bar.
To cap it all New Mills quickly went down to the other and and scored, The ball was played across the Town defence just outside the penalty area, Paul Monaghan struck it sweetly into the net.Town then made three substitutions within the next five minutes, Sconce, Clark and Chew making way for Robbie Smith, Ben Mousley and Damon Whelan to try to save the match.
Save it they did three minutes into injury time. Bill Williams took a long throw deep into the New Mills penalty area, Hollindrake headed on towards the far post the ball eluding everyone creeping just inside the post.
A deserved point for Town, a credit to both teams for producing a decent game under such dry testing conditions.

Stone Dominoes 2 v Barnoldswick Town 0

Town once again had a makeshift side with Bill Williams, Jack Overson, Liam Blades & Neil Chapman all out either injured or suspended.
                The match wasn’t played like an end of season game, both sides committed to winning the match giving 100% + in effort. The match was however spoilt by the strong blustery wind, Stone adapting better to the conditions.
With most of the early play in midfield the first real strike on goal came from Adam Hayton after 10 minutes when he thundered a shot from 30 yards out which drifted the wrong side of the post caught on the wind. Stone took the lead after 18 minutes when Chris Thompson in the Town goal failed to grasp the ball as it came across his 6 yard box, he pushed the ball straight to a Stone forward who cracked the ball back towards goal, Thompson redeemed himself making a great stop, but the ball ran free again and Omar Mahmoud slammed in the loose ball.
Play once again was confined to midfield until the 38th minute when Stone increased their lead. This was a strange goal as it was made by the Town defence. The referee had given a freekick inside the Town 6 yard box, a Town player took it early passing the ball to a Stone player on the edge of the box who whipped it in to the near post, Thompson saved but the ball ran free to Simon Eldershaw who easily scored. It all happened so fast know one knows who took the freekick as they were all waiting for the clearance upfield.
                Stone nearly added another on halftime Ryan Connor hitting a fierce freekick that Thompson did well to tip over the bar.
                The nearest Town came to a goal came three minutes into the second half when Barry Weston in the Stone goal flattened Spencer Jordan getting a yellow card for his troubles, some say it was inside the box other not.
                Town made a couple of substitutions Stephen Chew making way for Ben Mousley (60), and Kevin Richardson coming on for Liam Britton (76).
                The nearest to a goal in the remainder of the game fell to Stone, Shaun Clough clearing away from almost on the line with 11 minutes left.
Not the end of season result that Town wanted, but overall the season has been highly successful and one we could have only dreamed about at the start of the season, especially after defeat in the first two matches.