THREE years ago this week, Barnton edged Golborne Sports in a nine-goal thriller at Townfield.

It secured for the Villagers top spot in the Cheshire League’s second tier, a division they had been relegated to in 2009.

Curiously, Kevin Towey scored three times in that 5-4 victory.

And the front man repeated that trick earlier this week, helping his side come from behind to win a promotion play-off semi-final.

It leaves them 90 minutes from the North West Counties League’s top-flight, a level they have never previously played at.

One more success, against Bacup Borough this afternoon, will set up derby duels with 1874 Northwich and Winsford United next season.

Contrast that with May 2012, when they propped up the entire Cheshire League after winning only two games all year.

Whatever happens this afternoon, this is already one of the best campaigns in the club’s history.

They finished third in Division One, scoring more goals than everybody else in the section.

For gloss, they lifted the Reusch Division One Cup last month following a penalty shoot-out against Hanley.

Towey came off the bench on Monday, when they trailed Cheadle 1-0, to turn around contest that was getting away from them.

An equaliser arrived with 10 minutes left, then he scored from the spot early in extra time.

He fired in a free kick from distance to make it 3-1 before Matthew Rigby chipped a fourth goal late on.

Bacup brushed aside Stockport in the other semi-final the same evening.

Boro finished nine points adrift of Barnton in the final standings, and failed to beat Danny Meadowcroft’s side in either of the teams’ meetings.

They arrive in Northwich after losing only one of their previous seven games, and desperate to return to a level they were demoted from last summer.

Kick-off at Townfield is 3pm.

Adults pay £5 to watch, while admission for concessions is £2.

Under 16s enter for free.