COLNE roared to the top of the North West Counties League Premier Division table on Tuesday night while Barnoldswick Town booked their place in the second round of the West Riding County Cup after a 10-goal thriller at the Silentnight Stadium.

Colne were quick out of the blocks as they overcame AFC Blackpool 4-0 to open up a two-point advantage at the summit ahead of Saturday’s clash with Congleton Town.

Jason Hart put the Reds in front from the penalty spot with just two minutes on the clock before Ben Hoskin doubled the advantage on 13 minutes. Hart converted his second penalty midway through the first half and Hoskin completed the scoring 12 minutes after the break.

Barnoldswick were involved in a thrilling West Riding County Cup first round tie with Eccleshill United which saw the sides share 10 goals before Barlick won a marathon penalty shoot-out 12-11.

A first half hat-trick from John Beckwith seemed to have put the North West Counties League Premier Division side in control as they raced into a 3-0 lead after 37 minutes.

But Ashley Claret and Liam Charles reduced the deficit to one before the break and Brett Catley levelled six minutes after the restart.

Back came Stewart Airdrie’s side with Dalton Hutchison restoring their lead on 58 minutes but Adam Turner hauled the visitors level with 15 minutes to play before Luke Harrop put Eccleshill in front for the first time.

There was still time for more drama though as Joseph Gaughan notched an 87th-minute leveller to force penalties.

Barlick host Harrogate Railway in the second round but face AFC Liverpool on Saturday.