BARNTON’S title hopes suffered a blow on Saturday when defeat to rivals Cheadle Town saw them miss out on a return to the league’s summit.

Liam Tongue and James Horan were on target for the visitors after half time at Townfield, meaning Colin Quirk’s late free kick was merely a consolation.

The Villagers still occupy a promotion spot in the North West Counties League second tier, but drop four points behind Cheadle albeit with three games in hand.

Within the first five minutes the visitors offered a threat upfront, and nearly took the lead. A side-footed shot outside the box was fantastically saved by Barnton keeper Adam Judge as he tipped over the bar.

Leon Knight’s outfit then had a penalty appeal turned down after Kev Towey appeared to be tripped inside the box.

Darrhyl Mason of Cheadle proved to be a constant threat to Barnton's defence, but the striker was unable to capitalise on numerous opportunities throughout the first half.

The visitors finished the half strongly and looked certain to break the deadlock, but for two outstanding goal-line clearances from Adam Garner after a goalmouth scramble.

It was Cheadle who took the lead two minutes into the half, finding themselves with a man advantage on the break and crossing for an unmarked Tongue to slot home past Judge.

Cheadle doubled their lead six minutes later as in a near identical goal to the first, with Barnton unable to stop Horan firing the visitors’ second.

With just under 20 minutes remaining, Ryan Malone thought he had given the Villagers a chance but his goal was disallowed for offside by the linesman.

Barnton grabbed a consolation in the 89th minute with Quirk’s 30-yard free kick, and the midfielder almost salvaged a point when he rattled the bar moments later.

Barnton Judge (GK), Garner, Rigby, Pollard, Meadowcroft, Burke (Quirk 60), Towey, McShane, Myers (Graham 72), Laverty (Stafford 60), Malone Subs not used Fielding, Hayes

Attendance 48

FIVE wins and one draw during November saw Barnton collect a second successive North West Counties League Division One Club of the Month award.

Manager Leon Knight said: "It's a credit to the players and everyone involved with Barnton FC.

“We will continue with our main aim which is promotion – everything that comes along until we get there is just a bonus.

“But once again, I'd like to congratulate the players and my staff, the board and the chairman on another award for this fantastic club."