STEVE Lloyd believes Barnton are closer to a position of safety after Monday’s draw, but continues to warn against complacency.

The Villagers are 13 points clear of third-bottom New Mills with five games to play.

“We’d have snapped off your hand had you offered us four points from the past two games,” he said.

“The lads applied themselves properly and have been rewarded.

“If we switch off now, then we’ll run a risk of being caught.

“However if we approach our remaining games in the same way, then we’ll stay in control of our destiny.”

They followed last Saturday’s win against Barnoldswick, when Ryan Malone scored the only goal, by coming from behind to earn a share of the spoils from a meeting with Abbey Hey.

The visitors took the lead when Connor Martin was afforded too much room inside the hosts’ penalty area, and he finished smartly.

Jason McShane went close early in the second period before Barnton conjured a leveller.

George Webster picked out Jack Woolley, and his touch was emphatic to leave Abbey Hey goalkeeper Dean Williams with no chance of making a save.

Lloyd added: “We’re not complacent, but the manner in which we’ve collected these four points gives us confidence.”

The Villagers head to Runcorn Town on Sunday, kick off 6pm.

After that, 1874 Northwich are their guests next Wednesday.

Barnton | Conkie (GK), Stafford, Clayton, McKay, Meadowcroft, James McShane (Houghton 57), Woolley, Jason McShane, Smith, Webster, Crofts Subs not used Richards, Hamid, Malone, Whitehead (GK)

Attendance 42