TOWN lost out in a thriller at home to Runcorn on Saturday.
This was always a tough game on paper, and it started at breakneck speed and finished the same way as Barlick fell to their second defeat in six days.
Changes were made to the side beaten at Maine Road.
Kevin Richardson was struggling with a knee injury and was replaced by James Nettleton at the back. Shaun Airey moved back into midfield, as did Danny Morton, with Billy Priestley making a welcome return after the injury he received at home to Silsden.
Aaron Hollindrake started again with Mark Threlfall up top for the second successive match.
The game sprang into life as early as the third minute as Keddie capitalised from a corner. Town regrouped though and were looking particulary dangerous down the flanks through Blades and Bradley.
Although Town were starting to look more threatening, Runcorn had the next chance on 15 minutes when Keddie was on the end of a quick break but he shot wide.
Towns first real effort on goal came through the ever-reliable Threlfall who took a Billy Carrington clearance out of the sky with a delicate touch, turned his man took aim and smashed his shot against the bar.
Town attacked again and Karl Wills was forced into a double save, first from Hollindrake and then Morton on the rebound.
Airey was starting to dominate in midfield and Town were really starting to get to grips with the game. In this period of dominance Town got their equaliser through Hollindrake on 40 minutes.
Town though shot themselves in the foot right on half-time when Wellstead drove a shot in from the edge of the box.
Barlick attacked from the off after the restart but Runcorn weathered the storm and started to keep possession.
Runcorn’s leading scorer for the last two seasons, James McShane, had the next say on 48 minutes as he caught Town napping and beat Carrington with a smart finish.
This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Town and the same man made it 4-1 on 60 minutes.
Town didn’t chuck the towel in though and Ash Alderson bagged the next goal with a screamer from fully 35 yards out.
Almost immediately Town made their first substitution, bringing on Chris Ridehalgh for Nettleton. Town were really on top in this period but couldn’t find another goal.
Harry Thompson was introduced to try and unpick the lock, but to no avail as Runcorn increased their lead through former Wigan Robin Park man Phil Howard on 85 minutes.
Town brought Liam Garbutt on for the last five minutes and they were rewarded as Threlfall buried a shot in the top corner. The final score flattered Runcorn, and Town host Bootle tomorrow (3 p.m.).