BARNOLDSWICK have moved to within a point of Vodkat League Division Two leaders Stone Dominoes with a hard-fought win at Eccleshall.

Town knew what they were up against having already beaten Eccleshall in the cup earlier in the season.

And their task was made all the harder as key players Chris Clarke, Ashley Alderson and Shaun Clough were all missing, although Neil Chapman and Adam Hayton returned to the starting line-up.

The game started at a lively pace with Town on the back foot and Eccleshall striker Sam Lovatt went close with a long range effort.

Town keeper Billy Carrington was then forced to palm away an effort from Lovatt.

Town’s best efforts of the first half fell to Bill Williams and Lewis Craig.

After the break, Eccleshall again put Town under pressure and Carrington saved well with his legs to deny Tom Laraso and, from the resulting corner, Liam Blades had to head off his own line. But Town replied and Stewart Airdrie played in Spencer Jordan who was denied a shot on goal by covering defender Alex Hutchinson.

With time ticking away, Town threw on their subs in an attempt to snatch a winner.

And with just four minutes remaining, Town got their winner when captain Russell Clarke rose to head home a Craig corner.