Barnoldswick Town’s misery continued on Saturday as they suffered yet another defeat at Runcorn Town, losing 4-1.
Town were boosted by new signings Mark Threlfall and Connor Smith from Clitheroe, as well as welcome returns to the squad for Jake McEneaney and Aaron Hollindrake.
Town started well and took the lead in the 5th minute through a Neil Stansfield shot.
Danny Boyle came close to doubling Town’s lead just two minutes later with a fierce left foot effort that curled just wide of Runcorn keeper Karl Wills’ goal.
Runcorn drew level on 10 minutes when Jason Carey picked up a loose ball for Paul Shanley, who made the most of Town’s defensive woes and levelledmatters.
On 22 minutes Barnoldswick’s defence was again nowhere to be seen as Mark Dund raced keeper Lyle Davy to a loose ball, Dundon won but Davy did enough to stop the shot.
After 40 minutes, McEneaney, in his first game back from injury, was injured again and replaced by Kieran Lee.
In first half injury time, Town had a huge scare as keeper Davy mistimed a tackle, bringing down a Runcorn forward in the box. The referee gave a penalty, but after consultation with the linesman changed his decision to a free kick just outside the box and Davy was booked.
Despite a promising first half for Town, the second half was dominated by Runcorn.
The defence caved and three goals in 17 minutes from Gareth Grant (73), James Derbyshire (78) and Jason Carey (90) came as no surprise.
Tackles were lethargic and with no threat to the Runcorn goal it was only a matter of time.