A NARROW 1-0 defeat to Dunston spelled the end of Barnoldswick Town's FA Vase run, with the only goal of the game coming from Scott Heslop.

Difficult conditions meant for a cautious start to the game and caused both sides to change their passing styles.

Dunston had their first chance on 12 minutes when Liam Thear ran through, but a timely challenge from Adam Yates denied him the opportunity to test the keeper.

Barnoldswick enjoyed a good spell as Zack Dale fired a shot over the bar, but the visitors restricted them well and took the lead just past the half hour mark.

A quick counter and an interchange of passes between Liam Thear and Mark Fitzpatrick gave Thear the space to pick out Heslop, who drove a shot low into the bottom corner.

The goal settled Dunston, and they could have doubled their lead before half time. Heslop headed goalwards from a free-kick but goalkeeper Connor King was alert and saved from point blank range.

Barnoldswick responded well and came out firing in the second half, with Jake Lloyd's shot going just wide early on.

But Dunston were keen to get a second, with Fitzpatrick seeing a shot blocked after more good play with Thear, while James Martin produced a fine save from King after a similarly impressive solo run.

Chances were then exchanged in a frantic end to the game – Lloyd again firing just off target while James Crorken's header followed a similar path.

Heslop couldn't register a clean enough connect to a teasing cross to double his tally for the day, with King on hand to save, while Michael hall rose highest but could only head over for a corner as Dunston pressed for a more comfortable lead.

Barnoldswick failed to create any late chances to equalise, though Yates did force a good stop from the visiting goalkeeper with a 30-yard drive.

King was also called into action late on to deny Martin, but it wasn't enough to prevent Dunston with the win and a place in the next round.