Hall keeping cool as Barlick roll on

Taken from The Lancashire Telegraph, published 11/01/2012

Manager Ben Hall is refusing to talk up Barnoldswick Town's chances of promotion, despite his side picking up a pair of victories over the festive period.

 

Town, who currently sit third in the North West Counties Premier Division, picked up wins over Padiham and Congleton Town either side of New Year, and are three points behind leaders Bootle with four games in hand.

 

Despite their seemingly strong position, Hall still believes there is a long way to go in the battle for promotion to the Evo-Stik League, saying "We're not thinking about the title at the minute, there's about five teams who can still win it and we're just going to take every game as it comes."

 

Amongst the sides who can rival Barnoldswick for promotion are Ramsbottom United, but Hall doesn't believe that there is any animosity between the two sides.

 

"There isn't really a rivalry between us and Ramsbottom, we're just looking to win as many games as possible and get promoted" he said.

 

Hall was pleased with the way his side performed over the Christmas season as they bounced back from defeat at Glossop North End to win 3-1 against a Padiham side who currently sit in mid-table.

 

Rob Smith bagged a brace to give Town an early 2-0 lead, whilst top scorer Spencer Jordan grabbed a third late  on, despite Sam Heap pulling one back for the visitors.

 

Hall was unhappy that his side gave their opponents a chance to get back into the match, but was pleased with that his side were able top pick up a vital three points.

 

After a postponed match against Colne, goals from Liam Garbutt and Jordan secured a 2-0 win over Congleton, a game which gave Hall a great deal of pleasure.

 

"We weren't at our best against Padiham, but we were excellent against Congleton in what was a tough game" he said.

 

With 2012 now well and truly underway, Hall and his co-managers Stewart Aidrie and Kevin Richardson moved to bring in Chris Ridehalgh from Padiham and Hall admits he is still looking to improve his squad, saying "Chris has come in and done well, and although we can't afford some of the players that we want, hopefully we'll be able to bring in some new faces."

 

The manager's attentions must now move onto their match on Saturday against lowly St Helens Town, a game which could kickstart a run towards promotion for Hall and his side.