BARNTON put behind them successive league defeats in emphatic fashion on Saturday and climbed into the table’s top 10.

The Villagers were second-best initially and were grateful that goalkeeper Arron Lyons produced his best to prevent Ryan Burke from opening the scoring.

They did take the lead though when Luke Wilson-Jones’ cross was met by Ryan Malone with a left-footed volley that flew into the top-corner.

Lee Guirado then teed up Jordan Cobley to make it 2-0 before the break.

Cammell Laird then gifted to their guests an opportunity to add to their advantage when custodian Thomas White shoved the ball into Cobley’s face, prompting the referee to award a penalty that Sam Houghton converted.

The home team rallied when they scored twice in quick succession, first when Josh Connelly found the net from 20 yards before Paul Byrne reduced the deficit further.

However Barnton replied immediately when Malone burst through to restore a two-goal advantage before late strikes from Wilson-Jones and Houghton completed a rout.

James McShane’s men host third-placed Abbey Hulton United at Townfield next weekend, kick-off 3pm.

Laird | White (GK), Jewell, Brabin, Byrne, Hollett, Hamid (Hackett), Scarisbrick (Bott), Lynch, Burke (Thomas), Moore, Donnelly Subs not used Rothwell, Jefferies Goals Donnelly 65, Byrne 67 Booked Lynch, White

Barnton | Lyons (GK), Derek McShane, Rigby, Weeder, Richards, Yearsley, Wilson-Jones, Houghton, Guirado (Preston), Cobley (Dursley), Malone (Warburton) Subs not used Newman, Bazley Goals Cobley 34, Malone 44, 68 Houghton 58 (penalty), 84 Wilson-Jones 78 Booked Rigby

Attendance 57