BARNOLDSWICK Town were in fine form last month and no-one was more instrumental in that success than tricky midfielder Zack Dale. He continued his hot streak with a brace as his team brushed 1874 Northwich aside 4-0.

Dale's April efforts were rewarded as he earned the Hallmark Security League Premier Division's player of the month award and he showed why with his performance against the Cheshire outfit on Bank Holiday Monday.

Town were already 1-0 up after Andrew Hill scored an extraordinary goal from the halfway line, and it was their star man who stole the show in the second half.

Striker Aaron Hollindrake hit a powerful shot that was well saved but Dale showed the instincts that have served him so well this season as he stabbed the rebound home.

Captain Jimmy Crorken scored a rare goal to put his team into an unassailable lead before Dale wrapped up the win with his second after great play by Teal Amos.

The convincing victory was the perfect response by Barnoldswick as they were below their best on Saturday, slipping to a disappointing, and slightly controversial, 1-0 defeat at Congleton.

Manager Danny Craig spoke with honesty after that game, saying: "It was one of those games where you huff and puff but nothing really comes off for you. I don't think we would have scored had we still been there now.

"It was tricky surface to play our game on and I think a major decision went against us but can I honestly say we did enough to get something? No I don't think I can."