BARNTON moved away from bottom place after picking up a deserved point at Ashton Athletic.

The hosts held a two-goal cushion in the first half but the gutsy Villagers found a way back to level terms on two occasions

Chris Smith netted the first and third goals for Barnton, with Chris Bandell bagging the second.

Ashton dominated the early part of the game, creating a number of chances.

They found themselves ahead after only 12 minutes when Joel Brownhill netted from inside the area after he followed up Rob Cooke’s save.

Ashton doubled their lead four minutes later through Dale Korie-Butler as he diverted the ball into the net after Brownhill’s effort struck the woodwork.

Instead of folding under the pressure Villagers settled down and got themselves back into the game thanks to an excellent finish from Chris Smith.

Barnton finished the half the strongest with Chris Bandell going close when put through by the lively Ryan Malone and moments later he forced their keeper into an excellent save right on half time.

Villagers drew level right at the start of the second half when Bandell was on hand to finish inside the area.

Both sides then went toe to toe in a thrilling second half, with Bandell going close before Rob Cooke in the Barnton goal saved well from Brownhill.

The home side restored their two-goal lead with an outstanding team goal that was finished off by Korie-Butler, but once again Villagers responded.

Smith got his second and drew his team level thanks to an excellent assist from Sam Houghton.

Barnton were relentless late on and were determined to come away with at least a point.

They kept Ashton into forcing efforts from distance.

Sub Jack Woolley had a chance to nick the game at the death but his effort was saved well down low by their keeper.

Barnton manager Steve Lloyd said: “That’s the reaction we were after.

"Considering how we started the game, to leave with something is incredible.”

He added: “We now know we have to back this up with a big performance on Saturday at home to Padiham.”

Padiham visit Townfield Lane for a 3pm kick off.

Barnton: Cooke, Hamid, Ford, Coleman, Mannion, Houghton, Jason McShane, Irlam (Webster), Malone, Bandell (Woolley), Smith.

Barnton bowed out of the FA Vase at Dronfield Town on Saturday.

Fo the third successive game they led 2-0 and lost.

They were leading 1-0 courtesy of Bandell's 33rd-minute strike when Jordan Stafford was sent off at the start of the second half.

Seventeen minutes later Adam McKillop put them two goals to the good.

But the Northern Counties East League side forced extra time with goals in the 65th and 75th minutes before adding two winners in exra time.

Barnton: Chris Keirnan, Stafford, McKillop, Ford, Hamid, McShane, O'Connor, Bandell, Malone, Smith, Woolley.