Runcorn Linnets 0 Barnoldswick Town 1

THREE weeks of inactivity due to the wet weather certainly didn’t leave Barnoldswick Town with any ring rust.

After having four matches called off, they marked their return to action with one of their best North West Counties League Premier Division results of the season.

Stewart Airdrie’s men triumphed 1-0 away to the title-chasing Linnets who had been hoping to draw level with Colne at the top of the table.

Barnoldswick, who are currently ninth, mastered the tricky conditions well as they dealt a blow to Linnets promotion ambitions.

The only goal of the game came six minutes into the second half from top scorer Joe Gaughan. It was his ninth in the league this season and none has been more important.

The victory at the Millbank Linnets Stadium should set Barnoldswick up nicely for a run of three more away games before they host close rivals Silsden on December 26.

They visit Runcorn Town on Saturday, play at Cammell Laird on December 12 and go to AFC Liverpool on December 19 as they look to make up ground on the sides above them.

Only three premier Division games survived the weather last Saturday, and the Men United Cup third round programme was similarly affected.

One of the casualties was lowly Silsden’s home third-round clash with AFC Blackpool. Officials had been optimistic that the game would be on until the weather took a dramatic turn for the worse.

Cobbydalers spokesman Jim Rosser said: "The match referee made the decision at quarter to two and it was the right call.

"It was playable in the morning and we had done all we could but the really heavy rain hit just at the wrong time."

Silsden will be hoping that they can return to action on Saturday when they are due to host West Didsbury and Chorlton.

Silsden have only played 17 games, one less than Barnoldswick Town, and need points to pull away from the relegation zone.