FIRST half goals from Aaron Hollindrake and Adam Hayton guided Barnoldswick to victory and cement their place in the top five of the Vodkat League Premier Division.

Town took the game to St Helens and Hollindrake went close to opening the scoring while Michael Morrison his the underside of the crossbar with a well struck free kick.

But the early pressure paid off when Hollindrake swept the ball home in the 21st minute after Saints keeper Newbrook had saved Morrison’s initial effort.

And they doubled their lead on the half hour mark thanks to a wonderful long range effort from Hayton.

Barlick continued to pour forward and Robbie Smith was denied the chance to make it 3-0 thanks to a good save by Dale Newbrook.

The Saints were denied a goal thanks to a fine block by Bill Williams.

With half time looming, chances were created at both ends.

Chris McGann flashed a header across the Barlick goal before Morrison and Hollindrake both had efforts blocked by Saints defenders.

The visitors had a great chance to get back in the game early in the second half when Town keeper Billy Carrington tripped McGann in the area.

But the keeper was able to make amends as he saved a poorly struck spot kick by Saints substitute Liam Pearson.

It was a let off for Barnoldswick who went in search of the killer third goal. The busy Hollindrake had one effort cleared off the line, then fired in to the side netting after good work from the impressive Hayton.

With Saints getting more in to the game, Town central defenders Williams and Jack Overson were kept busy.

And they should have pulled a goal back in the 81st minute but substitute Michael Kavanagh blazed wide from barely a yard out.

But Town sealed victory with a third goal in the 87th minute.

Hollindrake’s deft header split the Saints defence and Smith raced beyond the visitors skipper Stephen Kay before slipping the ball beyond the advancing keeper.