Barton United lost by the odd goal in three at mid-table rivals Boldmere Sport & Social.
An uneven surface on a distinct slope played a big part in the game and it was the home side playing down the hill who settled quicker into their stride using two tricky and pacey wingers to great effect against the sluggish Barton defence.
The Black Swans were indebted to centre half Zak Williams who made last ditch tackles and two goal line clearances to keep the scores even in the early exchanges.
Unfortunately for the visitors it seemed only a matter of time before Boldmere would break through and sure enough a scramble in the box ended with a goal midway through the first half.
Barton’s first half performance was epitomised by the restart which saw debutant Will Mason receive the ball on the edge of the centre circle and, following a nasty bobble, slice the ball out for a throw near the corner flag.
A spell of six consecutive corners saw the Black Swans defend for their lives and manage to avoid conceding a second with several blocks and point blank saves from Dan Walch.
The visitors finally got into their stride in the final five minutes of the half with Stack, Mason and Hunt in the centre midfield starting to influence the game and release the pace of Barton, Swinfield and Dade.
The improved tempo continued at the start of the second period with Swinfield and Hunt both going close to a leveller.
A slick move down the right saw the visitors cut inside the Boldmere left back and Swinfield unleash a thunderous shot that could only be parried by the goalkeeper. Despite an awkward bounce and several players on the line the ball was tucked home by skipper Dale Barton to level the scores at 1-1.
Barton replaced the booked Cobley and tiring Mason with Warrington and Featherstone just after the hour mark, but continued to press and create chances without making the Boldmere keeper make a save with shots going to all parts of the ground but not on target.
The final change saw manager Smith introduced and an attacking switch to 4-4-2 as the visitors sensed they were well on top and most likely to grab a winner.
But a sucker punch caming oin the dying minutes when a free kick 35 yards out was hit against the wall by Stack and Boldmere broke to score and steal the three points.
