Barnton 2 Bacup Borough 0

BARNTON’S promotion bid remains on track after they saw off Bacup at Townfield on Saturday.

The North West Counties League First Division leaders remain three points clear of Cheadle thanks to a Jason McShane double.

Manager Leon Knight made two changes to a side that knocked out higher-ranked Winsford in the Mid-Cheshire District FA Senior Cup three days earlier, with Danny Meadwcroft and Kayde Coppin returning.

In-form Kev Towey was a danger man early on, although the Villagers’ leading scorer was unable to find a breakthrough.

Barnton opened the scoring moments before the break when Ryan Malone combined with Jordan Stafford before whipping an inviting cross onto McShane's head.

Malone went close himself after skipping past several defenders before firing wide, but McShane made sure of the points late on with a calm finish.

Barnton Judge (GK), Garner, Rigby, Pollard, Meadowcroft, Burke, Towey, McShane, Coppin, Stafford, Malone Subs Lomax, Robinson, Quirk, Webster, Richards Attendance 33