CRAVEN CUP

Barnoldswick Town (EL) 3

Rimington 5

BARNOLDSWICK Town's East Lancashire League side lost to Rimington in the first round of the Craven Cup on Saturday.

As multiple winners of the Craven Cup, Rimington would prove to be challenging task for Town's young team.

A very poor first half performance did not help Town's cause and they appeared to be second best in every challenge and lacking in attacking ideas.

As a consequence they went down 3-0 at the break on goals from Bagot, Taylor and Hovey 43.

Further goals from Langford and Parker in the first six minutes of the second half suggested a severe mauling would be ahead for the young Town team.

Remarkably, the fifth goal had the exactly opposite effect. Prompted by the welcome return of substitute Oliver Venn after a lengthy absence through injury and a change to a more accustomed formation, Town suddenly clicked in to gear around the 55-minute mark and dominated the remainder of the second half.

Goals from Teal Amos, Bailey Coates and finally Matt Holt in the 76th minute gave the home side genuine hope of a miraculous turn around in fortunes.

Had it not been for three fine saves by the Rimington keeper Graeme Kershaw then Town would have clawed their way right back in to the game.

The shortcomings of the first half appeared to be largely tactical and can be resolved quickly by creating a settled formation, otherwise this talented young team may start to lose confidence in themselves.

Rimington marched in to the second round of the cup but the victory was ultimately not as comfortable as they would have liked.

Town will now defend the Morrison Cup which they won last year.

The next game is an East Lancashire League Division One fixture, at home to Waddington on Saturday. Kick-off is 2.15pm.