BARNOLDSWICK Town moved joint top of NWCL Premier Division with a hard fought win over struggling AFC Liverpool.

Mark Threfall’s 16th minute strike proved to be enough to clinch all three points.

The win means they join Bootle on top with 23 points after their game at AFC Blackpool was postponed.

It was a depleted Town side with Spencer Jordan, Neil Chapman, Shaun Clough, Liam Garbutt, Stewart Airdrie, Aaron Hollindrake and Kevin Richardson unavailable for various reasons.

Barlick took the lead in the 16th minute when Mark Threlfall jumped above the defence to head in from less than a yard out.

Town put pressure on the Liverpool defence in the remainder of the first half but could not find a second goal.

Liverpool fought back after the break. To try to stem the flow of the visitors attacks, Town brought on James Oldroyd replacing Thompson (75), and Danny Morton replacing Alderson (85).

Liverpool left back Shaun Harris was sent off late on as Barlick clung on for the victory.