Ashton Athletic 2 Barnoldswick Town 0

IAIN Clarkson answered an 11th-hour call to step in as goalkeeper for Barnoldswick Town for Saturday’s Premier Division clash.

Six other keepers had been contacted with no success after Alex Pallfy, who stood in for the injured Chris Taylor in the 5-0 win over Stockport Sports, was required by Clitheroe.

The goalkeeping dilemma came hard on the heels of Dean Overson’s return to Padiham where he will be joined by Scott Byrom who announced his departure after Sat- urday’s game.

Town were under pressure from the outset, with Ashton’s Ian Rowlands heading a corner over the crossbar after four minutes.

Clarkson showed his agility after 15 minutes. Daniel Regan fired in a shot that had the keeper going the wrong way until he managed to twist and palm it to safety.

Town should have taken the lead after 21 minutes in their first meaningful attack. John Beckwith found an opening and hit a good shot which Ashton’s Jason Foulds spilt into the path of Harry Thompson six yards out. The Town forward shot weakly at the fallen keeper’s body.

Just before the half hour mark a ball played down the middle of the Town defence caught them napping. Adam Gilchrist outpaced the Town defence and looked sure to score until Clarkson made a fine fingertip save.

When Clarkson was beaten by a Paul Watson shot the ball rebounded to safety off a post.

The second half started with Town just having the better of the play until the 56th minute. A poor attempted clearance from their defence was picked up by Reece Broadhurst who crossed for the unmarked Gilchrist to head home.

Mark Threlfall replaced Beckwith after 68 minutes and quickly created a chance for Martin Broderick, who shot just over the bar.

Town kept pressing and Thompson delivered a great ball into the path of Joel Melia who struck a sweet shot from the edge of the penalty area which Foulds saved.

From a Town corner there were strong appeals for handball but referee Michael Denton disagreed. Town were asking questions of the Ashton defence and Melia dragged a shot wide.

Ashton had their moments and with ten minutes left substitute Paul Casey released Rowlands but Clarkson made another good save.

With Town pressing for an equaliser Ashton broke to score their second goal with seven minutes remaining. A cross from out wide saw Watson ghost in at the near post to head home.

Town sent on Stewart Airdrie and James Gill for Paul Walker and Harry Thompson in a bid to rescue the match, but it was all in vain.