BARNOLDSWICK Town were not denied any festive cheer on a cold, wet Boxing Day afternoon in Padiham, as they won 2-0 to move up to 16th in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Padiham started off brightly, but it was Barlick who had the first shot on goal, with Alex Ralph denied by a block from a defender.

The hosts started getting sloppy and gave a free kick away, which Andy Hill superbly found the bottom corner with to give his side the lead.

Barlick looked more secure now, creating chances and making sure Padiham could not find an equaliser.

When the hosts did finally get through, Barnoldswick defender Daniel Fagan made an outstanding recovery to deny their young striker.

Gareth Hill was unlucky not to score, with his header cleared off the line by the Padiham defender.

Padiham then won a free kick in a dangerous position, but the shot was too high and didn’t trouble Jordan Gidley in the Barlick goal.

The home side started showing their frustration, as Gidley caught the ball but the Padiham striker headed it in. Fortunately the referee had a clear view and disallowed the goal.

Markell Foulds then had a great chance to double Town's lead, but he headed Ralph’s corner over the bar from close range.

Barnoldswick did score a second before the break though, and it came from a Padiham attack.

The hosts won a corner on the stroke of half-time, but that was cleared away to Warren Beattie.

He played an amazing ball to Gareth Hill, who fed it across for Zack Dale to finish with ease.

It was a quiet start to the second half, with the only noteworthy action seeing Luke McKenna and Harvey Close pick up yellow cards for the frustrated home side.

Barlick dominated after the break, without creating any clearcut chances, and it was Gidley who was tested for the first time in the match, producing a fabulous save.

The rebound came out to Padiham's centre midfielder, but he put the shot wide.

Dale had a late chance, following a lovely bit of skill, but his shot was blocked by the Padiham defender.

It was a vital win for Barlick, who leapfrogged three teams down at the bottom with victory.

BY WILL CLARK