Late goal show at Hurst Cross

Report by David Robinson. Picture Jez Sayle

Two injury time goals saw the points shared at Hurst Cross as the hosts finished the game with just 9 men. Entering added time Liam Tomsett made a run into the area and was blocked by the visitors’ captain Craig Stanley with Danny Pilkington sending Liam Castle the wrong way from the spot but with the Robins desperately trying to hold on Barwell’s most effective forward Matthew Stenson made space and curled home a fine effort with virtually the last kick of the game.
With Matty Chadwick out injured Alex Johnson returned to lead the line and an uninspiring first period saw the best chance arrive as Stenson headed Elliot Percival’s cross off target just past the half hour before Jack Dyche made a fine run into the area but fired over on his right foot and then saw his low cross cleared for a corner by Stanley. Dominic Smalley’s deep cross was then headed back across goal by Nic Evangelinos for Liam Tomsett to help it against the crossbar with his own header.

After the break Stanley’s free kick was headed wide by fellow centre back Foster before Johnson progressed to the by line but fired his cross right across the goalmouth and he then hit a loft foot shot past the far post from Tomsett’s pass. Richard Smith’s chip then saw Johnson only able to find the side netting with Castle narrowing the angle and Stenson’s touch then sent Owen Story racing through the middle from where he fired over.
A great combination then saw Smalley & Tomsett provide a cross which had just too much pace for Jack Dyche to control and with 20 minutes left Aaron Chalmers was dismissed for a second booking after catching Stenson and Makhosini Khanye then saw red as he brought down Percival.

Team: Carnell. Smalley, Khanye, Lees, Chalmers, Platt, Roberts (Smith 58), Tomsett, Johnson (Woodford 76), Dyche, Evangelinos (Pilkington 73). SNU: Fawns, Ollerenshaw