Barnton 3 Irlam 2

NEW boy Ryan Jackson netted twice to help Barnton maintain the pressure on the North West Counties League’s Division One leaders.

The hosts were two-goals adrift before the former Rudheath Social attacker bagged a brace in the 10 minutes either side of the break.

Captain Colin Quirk then lashed home a winner.

The win keeps Allan Glover’s side in third place, five points adrift of Cammell Laird in the second automatic promotion place.

Shaun Tuck twice went close to opening the scoring early on, heading wide from a corner before skewing a second effort from close range.

Barnton paid for their missed chances when Irlam took the lead on 12 minutes through Karl Cassell before doubling their advantage after half an hour when Jordan Icely punished a weak punch by goalkeeper Danny Lever.

Five minutes later, Jackson popped up at the far post to reduce the deficit.

The youngster was again on target when the second half resumed, finding space in the box to squeeze in an effort at the far post.

The Villagers then led for the first time on 56 minutes, this time when Tuck picked out Quirk.

He side-stepped a defender’s challenge before smashing into the roof of the net.

Barnton were forced to withstand heavy pressure from their guests in the closing stages, but held firm to claim an important three points.

They visit Widnes this weekend.

Barnton Lever (GK), Robinson, Dwyer, Gill, Lawton, Rothwell, James McShane, Jason McShane, Tuck, Quirk, Jackson Subs Monson, Wynne, Reed, Stafford, Ally