1874 Northwich 2 Barnoldswick Town 0

HOT-SHOT Tom Bailey netted twice as Barnoldswick Town were defeated by their third-placed Hallmark Security League Premier Division opponents.

Bailey has now scored 27 goals this season and demonstrated the sort of sharpness in front of goal that Town's new boss Danny Craig would like to see from his side.

Fit-again Jake McEneaney was back in the Town line-up and they proved more than a match for their rivals in a close-fought first half.

Both sides looked to attack but the respective defences held firm.

Keeper Jordan Gidley sparked an early scare for Town by dropping a cross at the feet of Sam Hare whose shot was deflected wide.

The woodwork came to his rescue when Jason Carey tried his luck from 35 yards, before the home side finally went ahead.

Town conceded a free kick on the edge of their penalty which Bailey drilled low and hard through the defensive wall and past Gidley.

The second half saw Town continue to contain the home side's attacking efforts although they didn't have too many attacking opportunities.

Perhaps the best one saw Mark Threlfall tackled by Ryan Mitchell when he threatened to breakthrough.

The 1874 Northwich skipper Lee Jones fired wide after Town struggled to clear a cross and Liam Blades hooked a dangerous ball away from goal as the home side stepped up the pressure.

Carey back heeled an effort wide before Bailey wrapped up the points for his side with a 72nd minute penalty.

He stepped up to place his spot kick just wide of the diving Gidley after being tripped in the box.

Town's run of tough fixtures continues on Saturday when they are at home to second-placed Atherton Collieries.

Craig will be hoping that his third match at the helm will bring a first goal and some welcome points.