A BRACE from Timothy Sanders before half-time lifted Whitchurch Alport to a 2-0 win over Barnoldswick Town on Saturday.

In the first eight minutes, each team had free-kicks but were unable to take advantage they adapted to the windy conditions.

Alport's Alex Hughes found himself through on goal but Town keeper Ryan Livesey made the save.

Town pressed up the pitch and a great cross forced a corner, but Jack Coop's shot was saved by the keeper.

More pressure from Town led to another corner, but a great delivery from Andrew Hill was headed over.

An Alport shot on 18 minutes was put into the back of the net, but was ruled out for offside.

The match was fairly even early on, but the better chances were falling to Alport.

Town started to press more, but then Alport struck in the 35th minute when a nice finish by Sanders put the home side 1-0 up..

Then in 44th minute, a cynical tackle saw Marc Young booked and a free-kick from 25 yards out.

Although the free-kick was well saved by Livesey, Town were slow to react and Sanders put the rebound in to give Alport a 2-0 lead in the 45th minute.

Gareth Hill came on for Teal Amos to start the second half, as Town got off to a bright start.

In the 52nd minute, great pressure by Ethan Kershaw forced a corner, but Town were unable to take advantage.

Six minutes later, Barnoldswick looked to have another chance but the referee called a foul on the visitors.

The next ten minutes of play was stop start and an Alport wasted a corner in the 69th minute.

In the 72nd minute, Town earned a free-kick from 26 yards out, but the shot went well over the bar.

Town continued to be plagued by poor passing, and so they made two more substitutions late on.

However, as Alport faithful voiced their support, Town lost their discipline as Shaun Airey and Gareth Hill were each booked.

Despite five minutes of added time, Town had no further chances and Alport saw the game out to earn a 2-0 victory.