EAGLEY'S first game of the new year in the West Lancashire Premier Division proved a disaster when they lost 4-1 to Barnoldswick Town.

There was little to choose between the sides in the opening half hour, but it was Town who broke the deadlock on 33 minutes when Damien Clark scored from close in after the Eagley defence failed to clear their lines.

Barnoldswick, who occupied second from bottom spot in the league before the game, now stepped up the pressure and forced Eagley keeper Mark Warren into a number of good saves before half time.

In the second period the Villagers were unable to raise their game and it was no surprise when Damien Clark grabbed his second goal on 65 minutes.

Eagley grabbed a lifeline in the 80th minute when Carl Grimshaw fired home following a corner, but their joy was short-lived as Adam Tempest and Mark Aspinall both hit the target in the final five minutes.

Eagley Reserves drew 1-1 at Euxton Villa, with Ashley McClements scoring.