BARNOLDSWICK Town secured a point in a 1-1 draw at Whitchurch Alport on Saturday.

Town had the first chance of the game on 14 minutes, but Ryan Shlelton's effort was headed wide.

Barlick then went close nine minutes later when Alex Ralph fired just wide of the left post.

Against the run of play, Town went ahead in the 33rd minute when a good cross from Ash Brierley found Reece Barrett, who put away the tap-in to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Whitchurch Alport drew level three minutes later when Dave Howarth took advantage of a keeper error to claim a scruffy equaliser, and the half finished at 1-1.

In the second half, Alport had an excellent chance in the 54th minute when Howarth was put through on goal, but Barlick keeper Jack Little was on hand to smother the attempt.

With 60 minutes gone, neither side were showing signs of backing down in an open game of football.

However, both defences proved too hard to break down and the match finished in a 1-1 draw.

Barnoldswick Town manager Endrit Shehu would have like to secure the win, but he was pleased with his team's effort against a side who were seventh in the table.

"I'm very, very proud of my team today," said Shehu. "We worked hard for the point and I believe we did enough to get the win today, but it wasn't meant to be.

"In the first half, we looked dangerous on the counter-attack and managed to score a great goal from being positive and linking well in the final third.

"We conceded a poor goal again from a set-piece, which we need to learn from.

"In the second half, we dealt well with Whitchurch's pressure and created loads of scoring opportunities on the counter again.

"Overall, it was a great result as we move into a very important week with two home games, where we need to show that winning mentality, work ethic and start winning games."