Barnoldswick Town cornered by two late strikes and have to settle for a draw

BARNOLDSWICK Town extended their unbeaten run to six games but were disappointed that two late goals cost them the chance to record a fifth straight win at the Silentnight Stadium on Saturday.

Goals by Aaron Hollindrake, his third in two games, Harry Thompson and Kenny Taylor saw them establish a 3-1 lead before conceding twice from set pieces to take the shine off a promising performance.

Manager Danny Craig admitted to a sense of disappointment afterwards. He said: "While I have to admit that Congleton deserved a draw after throwing so much at us in the last 20 minutes, I still feel we should have won having played some of our best football.

"I felt we played out well from the back and passed the ball around well, but we were made to pay for our poor defending at free kicks."

Town started brightly and took the lead in the tenth minute when striker Hollindrake netted his third goal in his last two games after peeling off his marker and beating the keeper with a low left-foot shot.

The home side's attacking payer gained further reward when a nice passage of play saw Hollindrake lay the ball into the path of Harry Thompson. He spotted the goalkeeper off his line and netted with a clever lob.

Town carved out further chances but some slack defensive play allowed Richard Bailey to pull a goal back shortly before half-time.

The second half saw Town get quickly back into their stride. More good work by Hollindrake created the opening for Taylor to make it 3-1.

Hollindrake fired a good chance into the side netting when he had men in support, before Congleton hit back.

Callum Jones gave his side a lifeline when he headed home unmarked from a 70th minute corner.

The goal encouraged Congleton to step up their efforts. They exerted heavy pressure and Jones netted his second in the 84th minute after a corner wasn't properly cleared.

Town are next in action at home to Barnston on Saturday before playing Bootle away next Tuesday – two days before hosting them in the first leg of the Macron Cup semi-final.