A BRACE from Zack Dale secured a 2-1 win for Barnoldswick Town against bottom side Ashton Athletic on Saturday.

The visitors to Silentnight Stadium created more early on as Town had to make an early clearance and then a mix up in defence led to a booking for keeper Ryan Livesey and free kick on the edge of the box.

Barlick had difficulty getting behind the defence but there were shouts of hand ball as Mark Threlfall and Dale went close.

A fantastic strike from the visitors that was well saved by Livesey resulted in a corner.

Livesey had to make another good save and another chance went wide as the visitors continued to look the better side in the first half.

A half chance by Jack Coop hit the side netting.

Then shortly before half-time Town were awarded a free-kick, but they were unable to take advantage as the two sides went into the break at 0-0.

Town started better in the second half as Coop created another chance but hit it straight at the keeper.

Mark Threlfall then had a free header but it went over the bar.

Another Coop strike led to good save by the Ashton keeper, but Coop was flagged for offside.

Andrew Hill then won the ball back, fed Nathan Emery who set up Zack Dale for the first Town goal in the 59th minute.

Town continued with more positive play in the second half and then in the 74th minute, a defensive mix up led to a Dale one on one with the keeper.

His cool finish put Town 2-0 up.

With just seven minutes to go, Christopher Bandell pulled a goal back for Ashton Athletic.

Town fended off the bottom side in the last few minutes, and although it was not a convincing victory the Barnoldswick side earned three points.