Barnoldswick Town 1 Bootle 1

BARNOLDSWICK Town's barren run continued with a disappointing Hallmark Security League Premier Division home defeat on Saturday.

But the big talking point was a last-minute miss from Tommy Wood which could have salvaged a point.

Former Town goalkeeper Jordan Gidley parried a shot straight to the Barlick player who missed the ball completely from two yards out with the goal at his mercy.

It meant that Town had been beaten at home for the second time in five days and left them in 14th place, two points above the relegation zone.

Town’s form has dipped in recent weeks as the early-season promise has faded

Second half goals from Connor Millington and Lennon Whewell settled their fate after they had taken the lead in the 41st minute.

Bootle’s prolific goal scorer Ryan Cox fired over from 12-yards out in the early stages while Danny Boyle did likewise at the other end of the field.

Gorman tested Gidley with a strong right-footed effort that was pushed away by the keeper.

The opening goal came four minutes before the break when Zak Dale and Harry Thompson played in Louis Mayes who beat Gidley with an assured finish.

Bootle upped their game in the second half. Daniel Murphy let fly with a thunderous effort that looked destined for the top corner until defender Jonathan Hodgkinson somehow got back and headed the ball off the line.

The Bucks continued to pile on the pressure with Millington firing wide from distance before Joel Powell headed Cox’s cross over from six-yards out.

But on 68 minutes Bootle levelled. A quick counter-attack eventually saw Loughlin release Millington whose low drive from inside the box found the far corner.

Seven minutes later and Bootle were ahead. Millington did superbly well to keep the ball in play before crossing for Whewell who finished at the back post.

Bootle went close to adding a third when substitute Ben Hodkinson shot instead of teeing up unmarked team-mate Whewell.

There was still time for the horrendous late Town miss when their hopes of a point went up in thin air.