Winsford United 1 Barnoldswick Town 0
BARNOLDSWICK Town were made to pay for a second-half fade out as they were beaten in their opening Hallmark Security Premier Division game.
The only goal of the game came in the 74th minute when Town failed to clear and Mike Koral pounced to prod the ball home from close range.
Winsford nearly added a second late in the game when substitute Danny Hudson went close just minutes before Callum Gardner rattled the frame of the goal.
The home side had dominated the second half as Town faded from the picture after an even first half.
Ryan Hopper missed an early chance for Winsford before Town midfieldman Zack Dale tested keeper Michael Langley with a well-struck shot.
Dale was unlucky soon after when his low shot was deflected just wide of an upright while Gardner went close from 25 yards at the other end.
Play was switching from end to end but that pattern changed after the break as the home side took charge and eventually made their pressure count to take the three points.
The only times Town managed to break out of defence their attacks were led by the lively Joel Melia.
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