A DEPLETED Barnoldswick Town side exited the FA Vase with defeat at Newcastle Benfield.

Barlick went into the game with only two substitutes but did hand a debut to Michael Cruz, who has joined from Colne.

They fell behind in the 10th minute in the north east, though, as Stephen Baptist beat keeper Jake Chadwick.

But Barlick levelled only seven minutes later as Mark Threlfall helped on Kieran Lee’s cross and Aaron Hollindrake swivelled to fire home.

Benfield regained the lead in the 39th minute, though, as Baptist scored with a free header from a corner.

There was controversy just after the hour mark as Barlick thought they had equalised when Paul Talbot’s effort appeared to cross the line, only for the officials to wave play on.

Benfield confirmed their victory in the final minute as James Luccock scored.