Runcorn Linnets 1 Barnoldswick Town 1

BARNOLDSWICK Town were left reflecting on a win that got away after squandering a golden chance to secure the three Hallmark Security League Premier Division points in the closing minutes.

The unmarked Zack Dale looked set to score when the ball found its way to him inside the six-yard box but goalkeeper Matt Holmes pulled off a stunning save.

Town had dominated the second half and had looked the most likely winners after midfieldman Andrew Hill had cancelled out Daniel O’Brien’s 28th minute goal for Linnets with 17 minutes remaining.

Hill drilled home a penalty after the Linnets substitute Kieran Nolan handled near the edge of the penalty area. He shot wide of the diving Holmes who had an outstanding game for Linnets.

He produced a number of good second-half stops as Town looked to keep their recent good run of form going.

The howling wind was a major factor throughout this game and was a considerable advantage to each side when it was behind them.

It made for a very scrappy affair where control of the ball was difficult to come by.

While the strong wind was making it difficult in the first half for Barlick to get out of their own half, it was also tough for the Linnets to get a hold of the ball, with several passes being carried by the wind out of reach of the intended targets and often out of play.

It took a while coming but the first decent chance fell to Paul Shanley, who was the length of a stud away from converting Mark Houghton's cross.

The Linnets took the in slightly fortunate fashion. Danny O'Brien's in-swinging corner kick caught the wind perfectly and curled beyond the reach of Connor King to nestle into the top corner of the net.

A good spell followed for the hosts and a second goal may well have closed the game out, but the ball refused to cross the goal line. The closest it came was from a moment of magic by Paul Shanley, caressing a half volley towards goal and watching it beat the 'keeper all ends up but come back off a post.

The second half was a complete reversal of roles with the Linnets having to defend their way through to full-time.

Town tested Holmes on a number of occasions but the goalkeeper kept them at bay and Hill’s penalty apart, was unbeatable.