ANDREW MILNE insisted Gainsborough Trinity goalkeeper Phil Barnes is good enough to return league football after his super-show at Stalybridge Celtic.

The former Grimsby stopper was in inspirational form for the Blues in their 2-0 defeat and stopped the scoreline becoming a cricket score.

Phil Barnes was in imperious form for the Blues in their 2-0 defeat at Stalybridge.

Barnes even saved a penalty from Phil Marsh late on as the Blues failed to build on their 5-1 mauling of Ilkeston the previous week.

On-loan Barrow defender Milne admitted Barnes deserved the plaudits and is surprised he is plying his trade in Blue Square Premier.

"Phil was absolutely brilliant," said the former Leeds centre-back.

"He made a number of great saves and as a defender to have someone like that behind you is a great confidence booster.

"It was a great save from the penalty and he's a very good goalkeeper and you can see why he's been in the league and there's no reason why he can't return.

"He was absolute quality."

After Lewis McMahon saw a shot hacked off the line by Steve Woods, Trinity fell behind in the 14th minute when Marsh converted from eight yards after Andrew Boyce blocked Lee Elam's shot.

Barnes twice then made sublime saves to deny Elam, but was left powerless when Leon Hibbert fouled the striker in the box.

Marsh stepped up to convert from the spot but as time ticked by Barnes and Elam became locked in a fascinating duel.

The Trinity stopper produced a number of fine saves, but saved the best for last when he denied Marsh a hat-trick with a sprawling save from the penalty spot.

The defeat certainly has not doused criticism of manager Brian Little who finds himself under increasing pressure to mount a serious promotion bid.

But Milne said it was too early to press the panic button.

"We are only seven games into the season and the league table doesn't really take shape for another couple of months," he said.

"We won't be panicking, but it's clear we need to start winning matches because we do not want to be in a position when the gap is too big.

"Hopefully we can start by beating Droylsden next week in what is a big game."