BARNOLDSWICK Town recorded their fourth straight win in testing conditions at fourth-placed Runcorn Town on Friday night.

They had to show real character and determination to overcome their opponents on a pitch which became increasingly difficult due to incessant rain.

Town took the lead in an entertaining encounter when defender Jonathan Hodgkinson popped up to add to his goal tally with a close-range header.

Zack Dale went close to increasing Town’s lead before Mark Reed netted an equaliser in the 17th minute.

Both sides were creating chances despite the conditions. Jordan Gidley made a smart save from Paul McManus before Town regained the lead just before half-time.

The recently returned Aaron Hollindrake fired the ball home from a John Beckwith corner.

New signing Jake Lloyd went close early in the second half when he latched on a partial clearance from goalkeeper Louie Mackin and shot narrowly wide of the open goal from 35 yards.

Gradually the home side started to turn the tide and Gidley was forced to be alert to keep them at bay.

Runcorn’s pressure was rewarded when Mark McGregor headed home from a McManus free kick after 55 minutes.

And two minutes later the home side were ahead. McManus slotted home from the penalty spot to make it 3-2.

The surface water was increasing but it didn’t drown out the entertainment.

Town equalised in the 71st minute when Hollindrake fired home a cross from the left.

The visitors had their tails up and wrapped up the three points three minutes later when Dale hammered in a low hard cross that Craig Jones could only deflect past Mackin for the winning goal.

Cairns broke through but another timely tackle from Hodgkinson ensured a deserved victory for his team.

Town, who had their home game with AFC Liverpool postponed on Tuesday for a waterlogged pitch, are facing a hectic finish to their season.

Saturday’s home game with Congleton is the first of four in eight days.

They visit West Didsbury & Chorlton on Tuesday, entertain Bootle in the first leg of their Macron Cup semi-final on Thursday and then host Hanley next Saturday.

The last match is the first of 12 that they have to fit in during April. Boss Danny Craig said: “Everybody in the squad will be needed as we will have to change things around. It is going to be a big test.”