BARNOLDSWICK Town joint boss Ben Hall believes the non-league scene in Pendle is on the up – and is delighted with that even though Colne cost his men the chance to hit the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division in midweek.

Hall’s men were involved in a ding-dong derby battle with local rivals Colne and the 0-0 draw left them in third spot, three points off leaders Bootle albeit with three games in hand.

But rather than getting down about the stalemate, Hall says the game shows just what the local scene has to offer.

“I thought every player on show for both sides was a credit to their respective clubs,” said Hall. “The Pendle area has two very good teams and for a derby match it was played in a highly competitive but fair manner.

“In the end we have to be happy with the point in a game which was extremely difficult and now we can look to the weekend and hopefully three points.”

Barlick have not won in two league games and look to address that issue at mid-table Maine Road tomorrow.