BARNTON remain on course to contest a hat-trick of knockout finals after reaching the Reusch First Division Cup last four.

Kevin Towey's free kick after the interval separated the Villagers from their Cumbrian visitors, his 22nd goal of the campaign.

Their reward is a trip to Stockport Town this weekend.

Danny Meadowcroft's men had taken the lead after quarter of an hour when in-form winger Ryan Malone steered in from close range following a scramble inside the Holker penalty area.

The away team restored parity on 29 minutes when Philip Coombe headed in a corner that had been flicked on.

Both side created chances before the break, with Malone blazing the hosts' clearest one over the crossbar after Jason McShane and Towey had been denied by defenders' blocks.

At the other end, custodian Richie Mottram kept the scores level when he stretched to save a free kick with his fingertips.

Barnton countered, and Malone sent the ball Towey's way after gliding past his marker.

The front man appeared to be fouled in shooting stride, but the match officials turned down his appeal for a spot kick.

However his frown turned to a smile six minutes into the second period when he sent a set-piece into the top corner after McShane had been brought down.

The Villagers continued to pose a threat from dead balls, while Mike Burke marshalled their backline at the other end to prevent a Holker rally.

Barnton were due at Atherton LR last night, Tuesday, before hosting the same opponents at Townfield next Wednesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Barnton | Mottram (GK), Garner, Rigby (Fielding), Pollard, Meadowcroft, Burke, Towey (Webster), McShane, Laverty (Hayes), Stafford, Malone Sub not used Burgess 

Referee Dale Bowden

Attendance 38