KEVIN Towey’s four goals helped fire Barnton back up to second spot in the table.

The Villagers proved too strong for Rochdale, completing a hat-trick of 6-1 wins away from home in Division One this season.

Ryan Malone supplied an assist for the former Runcorn Linnets man to open the scoring after 25 minutes, and the creator ought to have added a second himself when he came face-to-face with the hosts’ goalkeeper shortly afterwards.

Leon Knight’s men doubled their lead after half an hour, when Towey’s flicked header diverted Daniel Laverty’s cross into the net.

Rochdale, without a win in the league since October, reduced their arrears when Scott Alfrey finished smartly at the back post before the break.

However Barnton did not need long to restore a two-goal advantage.

Towey completed a personal treble on 53 minutes, this time with a powerful header.

A fourth followed shortly afterwards, this time when he reacted quickly to meet a through-ball before skipping around Rochdale’s custodian to convert from an acute angle.

He made way for Liam Crellin-Myers, who promptly added his name to the scoresheet with a quarter of an hour left.

The former Knutsford front man was the grateful recipient of a gift from a Rochdale defender, who miscued a pass back towards his goalkeeper and instead sent the ball Myers’ way.

Barnton’s best goal arrived last, on 77 minutes, when Jason McShane earned a reward for his hard work and endeavour.

Crellin-Myers turned provider, teeing up the wide man to score with an emphatic finish in the top corner.

The Villagers close to within a point of leaders Cheadle Town, beaten at home by Ashton Town, with three games in hand.

They host Holker Old Boys at Townfield Lane this weekend, kick off 3pm.