BARNOLDSWICK Town missed the chance to shoot up to 12th in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division last night, after they slid to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Squires Gate.

The win moves Gate level on points with Barlick, though they remain behind the Craven side on goal difference.

The visitors took the lead through a superb diving header from Callum Sandle after 18 minutes, assisted by an excellent Theo Bell cross.

A stunning save from Nathan Pennington denied Ben Ashton an equaliser on the half-hour mark.

Henry Turner in the Barlick goal was desperately unlucky with Squires' second goal five minutes after the break.

He made a sensational triple save, only to bring down visiting captain Rowan Chambers at the end of all that.

Harrison Webster fired the resulting penalty into the top corner to double the away side's lead.

Barnoldswick had the chances to hit back, but both Reece Miller and Ashton put good opportunities over the crossbar, while Pennington made two more top saves to keep them out.

Town will do well to bounce back on Saturday, as they host phoenix club Bury AFC.

Bury may only sit fifth in the table at present, but they are only 10 points behind leaders Avro with SEVEN games in hand on them, so are still arguably title favourites.