Barnoldswick Town 2 Dunston TS 1

BARNOLDSWICK Town avenged last year’s defeat by the north east club as they secured a place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Their reward is an away tie against Northern Counties East League side Albion Sports on Saturday, September 2.

An 86th minute goal from striker Danny Boyle sealed their win after an error in the visitors’ defence.

Defender Callum Elliott collided with keeper Aidan Grant going for a high ball which Boyle left with the chance to fire into the empty net.

It was a just reward for Town who had been the better team and might have won more comfortably had it not been for the agility of Grant.

They had the better of the early play. Boyle fired wide before Melia rattled a post with a 15-yard shot.

Dunston replied with a chipped cross from Liam Thear into the area which Connor King failed to punch clear but recovered to collect the ball.

Arron Hollndrake, Melia and Shaun Airey all went close before Town went ahead in the 38th minute.

Grant forced away a shot which was returned by James Crorken for Hollindrake to shoot home the opening goal.

Dunston responded with Stafford curling in a free kick which Connor King saved.

The visitors drew level early in the second half when King miskicked a back pass from Airey and Scott Heslop slotted home from close range.

Thear had a shot deflected wide as Dunston pressed while only a last-ditch tackle from Airey prevented Craig Stafford from scoring.

With play switching from end to end, Dale shot wide from 22 yards

Grant pulled off a diving save from Boyle and then blocked Mark Threlfall’s effort from the rebound.

But a minute later disaster struck for the Dunston keeper and Town seized their chance.