BARNTON’S winning sequence stopped at three last Saturday, but manager Steve Lloyd still saw progress during a stalemate with Congleton.

He said: “We’d have definitely lost that game six weeks ago.”

His side will start this weekend’s encounter five points clear of visiting New Mills, who occupy the first relegation position in the North West Counties League’s top flight.

If that isn’t incentive enough, then the Villagers won’t have forgotten a 6-1 hiding by the same opponents in the return game.

The Millers have won only one of 15 Premier Division fixtures since.

Barnton rode their luck at times against Congleton, who hit the woodwork twice.

Declan Fletcher was denied in the first half, while Scott Baker followed in the second.

Barnton had chances too, notably when leading scorer Chris Smith fired narrowly over.

Jonny Jones had the clearest sight of goal for the Villagers, only for goalkeeper Ross Heywood to thwart him.

Lloyd concluded: “We might have won the game late on.

“We showed plenty of character though to dig in and ensure we got something from it – a first clean sheet at home since August is testament to that.”

Defender Shaun Alcock is available again this weekend, while Jack Warren makes the latest step on a road to recovery when he features for Barnton’s reserves in a Cheshire League fixture at Deva Christleton.