BARNOLDSWICK Town conceded twice in the final 20 minutes on Saturday, as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at Burscough.

They hit the front just before half-time in this North West Counties Football League Premier Division clash thanks to a fine goal from Luke Stowe, but the hosts began to dominate as the game wore on, and they claimed the three points in the end.

Barnoldswick came out all guns blazing, Ryan Moore forcing a good save out of Ben Barnes, before team-mate Lewis Farmer fired an effort wide.

Burscough had a shot deflected wide and a free-kick that skidded past the post as they began to threaten, but the visitors were apoplectic when a penalty was not given in their favour for a handball in their box.

Barnoldswick eventually got the lead they just about deserved on 37 minutes.

Moore produced a brilliant backheel to set up Stowe, who took the ball in his stride and slotted it beyond Barnes to put his side in front.

Visiting keeper Jack McGovern made a nervy start to the second half, as he managed to punch the ball behind him, but fortunately it did not go in for an own goal.

Jake Forshaw then had a shot kept out by Barnes, and the Burscough keeper’s save soon proved vital.

His side began to get on top and they equalised when Callum Laird produced a shot midway through the second half which McGovern could only get a hand to on its way into the net.

Morgan Bird stopped Barnoldswick from going behind moments later when he was forced to clear the ball off his own line, while Joe Camozzi came close at the other end.

He was well kept out by Barnes, whereas McGovern was unable to prevent Burscough’s late winner.

That arrived with 87 minutes on the clock, as a sweeping move up the pitch led to a cross being turned home from close range by Che Trapasso-Tully.

The result saw Barnoldswick drop below Burscough and down to 17th in the 24-team league.

Town will look to bounce back this Saturday, when they host relegation-threatened Squires Gate.