Barnoldswick Town are sunk by double from Glossop hot-shot Bailey

Barnoldswick Town’s hopes of starting the new year with a win were shattered by in-form Glossop.

Their boss Chris Willcock received the December manager of the month award before the match and they celebrated with the three points.

Town started the match well but never threatened Andrew Jones’ goal.

The league’s leading scorer, Tom Bailey, forced a save out of Town’s keeper Lyle Davy with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Davy had to move swiftly off his line to block a shot from Bailey who was a constant menace.

The Glossop pressure told when they took the lead after 30 minutes, Paul Walker cleared the initial danger with a header but when the ball was returned to the penalty area, Bailey slotted home.

Town were having plenty of possession in midfield but lacked accuracy in the final third.

Aaron Hollindrake shot wide from Town’s best effort.

Davy came to Town’s rescue after 37 minutes when he had to tip a David Young header over the bar.

Town’s best chance was squandered when Connor Smith, with the goal at his mercy, shot against a defender. The ball fell to Sam Howell but he was ruled offside.

Town nearly conceded a second goal shortly after the interval.

Walker was booked for dragging the ever-dangerous Bailey down just inside the Town half. From the free kick Bailey found himself unmarked at the far post but his shot flew wide.

Hollindrake had a shot charged down after an hour, but chances were at a premium for Town.

Glossop began to impose themselves on the match forcing Town to defend desperately at times.

Even the introduction of substitute Mark Threlfall couldn’t force the breakthrough Town were seeking.

With the match moving into injury time, Glossop were on the attack.

Town cleared only as far as Russell who played a delicate ball over the visitors’ defence into the penalty area, Bailey’s shot was parried by Davy forcing defender Jake McEneaney to twice attempt to head clear.

Bailey forced a great save from Davy, but the ball fell to the striker who blasted home his second goal.

Town will be hoping they can collect their first Premier Division points of 2014 at home to Stockport Sports on Saturday.