BARNOLDSWICK Town breezed to a comfortable 4-1 pre-season victory at Harrogate Railway on Saturday, as Matt Barnes' new side stepped up their league preparations.

The Hallmark Security North West Counties Premier Division side were always in charge of the contest, having raced into a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes.

An early strike from long distance by a Barnoldswick trialist caught the opposition goalkeeper out to give the visitors the lead and captain James Crorken soon doubled their advantage.

When Mark Threlfall made it three, and Harrogate lost two players to injury, it looked as if the away side could run up a cricket score.

However, the hosts kept the deficit to three at half time and came on strong after the break, missing several chances to get back in the contest.

Any Barnoldswick nerves were settled when new signing Jack Coop, who played for Barnes at Maine Road last season, scored from one of their few second half chances to make it 4-0.

A fine lob by Harrogate's Sean Hunter in the 86th minute gave the hosts a deserved consolation, but Barnes could be delighted with a tough win against tricky opposition.

Barnoldswick's next game sees them travel to face Colne at the Sovereign Play Stadium on Saturday, with the match kicking off at 3pm.

They are hosting a "work party day" at the Silentnight Stadium on Sunday, with fans being encouraged to come down and help with ground renovations from 6:30am onwards.

The club's first league game is away to Charnock Richard on Saturday, August 4.