1874 Northwich 3 Barnoldswick Town 1

Barnoldswick Town slipped to their third successive defeat of the new Premier Division season at Northwich on Saturday.

The home side started brightly and striker Matthew Beadle missed three good chances in the opening five minutes.

He shot over the bar and had another effort scrambled clear before meeting a fine cross from Mike Brandon with a header that went just wide.

Barnoldswick weathered the early storm and almost snatched the lead from a rare attack. Liam Hoyle had time and space to shoot but his effort rebounded to safety off the foot of a post.

Brandon went close with a deflected shot before Paul Connor’s right foot shot rebounded off the bar.

The pressure continued from the home side with Brandon and Rick Bailey both going close with shots.

Northwich went ahead in the 32nd minute when Brandon netted from a 30-yard free kick after Ryan Mitchell was brought down.

Barnoldswick soaked up further pressure although they had an escape when Beadle was again off target when well placed.

The visitors needed to get off to a good start in the second half, but they went further behind.

Two minutes after the restart and the second goal arrived. Connor found the unmarked Beadle who volleyed home from eight yards.

Barnoldswick didn’t let their heads drop and forced a save from goalkeeper Matt Conkie before pulling a goal back.

Martin Broderick’s free kick slipped through Conkie’s hands and into the net to give Barnoldswick fresh hope.

Ed Hall was forced to make a couple of smart saves as Barnoldswick looked to try and salvage a point.

Such hopes were shattered after 62 when Brandon controlled the ball before turning and firing home a fierce shot.

This goal seemed to deflate Barnoldswick, but they did manage to prevent their opponents from scoring further goals.