Barnoldswick Town 1

Ashton Athletic 0

BARNOLDSWICK TOWN got their first win of the season when they Ashton Athletic 1-0 at Silentnight Stadium on Saturday.

Town's only goal was scored by James Crorken, who made his 450th appearance in football at this level, 216 of them coming with Barnoldswick Town.

The lively Joel Melia had Town's first chance of the game, but his effort in the 19th minute hit the bar.

But chances in the scrappy first half were few and far between for Barlick, and good work by Town keeper Ryan Livesey kept Ashton Athletic at bay.

Livesey made a couple of good saves, and Ashton Athletic has two shots go over the wide and one that went wide.

Harry Thompson had one chance two minutes into extra time, but his shot was collected by the keeper as the score was 0-0 at the break.

Six minutes into the second half, Zack Dale's shot on goal was saved by the keeper.

Then after Livesey saved a free-kick, Barlick made a break but Melia's shot went wide.

Livesey was called into action again when Ashton had a break and through on goal, but the keeper was quick off his line to make a save.

Good football from Barlick created another chance for Dale, but his shot went wide.

Then in the 68th minute, Crorken was on hand to put Town 1-0 up.

Ashton Athletic had a couple more chances, one which went high and wide of the post and the other required Livesey to make an outstanding save in the 85th minute.

But despite more pressure by the visitors, Barlick hung on to win 1-0.

Matt Cavanagh, Barnoldswick Town assistant manager, said after the match: "It was a difficult game, but we got three points in the bag.

"It was sloppy in periods of the game, especially in the first half. But it's great three point to kickstart our season."

The win moves Town up to tenth in the league, with four points from three games.

Crorken, who began his career with Colne United, wants Barnoldswick Town to improve on their start to the season and he has set his sights on the club winning a trophy.

He said: "I've been playing at this level for a long time and I'd like to finish on a trophy."