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Middle Barton FC

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Middle Barton

Kingham All Blacks

N Acock (15'), L Barnes (25', 30', 40', 70'), P Kay (85')

Full time

(65', 80')

Sat 10 Dec 14:00 - Witney & District FA - Division 2

Report

Highlights

Selection

League round up

Barton get revenge for recent league defeat

By John Umney

A dominating performance from the boys in blue

After last weeks cup defeat against local rivals Chipping Norton, it was back into league action with another fixture against a local team, with Kingham visiting Worton Road.

Barton knew that a performance similar to the ones shown in the past 2 weeks should be good enough to beat an inconsistent Kingham side and with revenge for the 2-1 defeat last month at the forefront of the Barton players mind, it was going to take a huge performance from Kingham to overcome the home side.

An edgy start from both sides saw little created in the opening exchanges - it was clear that Kinghams pace had the potential to cause Barton problems in the wide areas and Jack Fowler and Nick Acock were going to have to be at their best to nullify their threat.

The opening chance of the game came to John Umney after a superb ball over the top from Jake Freeman was controlled nicely just inside the box - as the advancing keeper closed the angle, Umney attempted a delicate chip over him only to see the ball float just the wrong side of the post.

The opening goal wasn't far away through, and when Jack Fowler broke down the left hand side his cross was initially blocked, but the rebound fell back at Fowler's feet and his measured cross into the box couldnt have been better placed for the oncoming Nick Acock to plant the header firmly in the bottom corner of the net.

1 became 2 shortly after and when Liam Barnes broke through the Kingdom defence after a through ball from Nick Higgs straight of the Zidane book of passes, Barnes found himself one on one with the opposition goalkeeper. Liam could have been forgiven for being a little nervous playing against his former club, but he showed no such feeling as he blasted the ball past the helpless keeper.

Barnes has been unlucky this season with his goal tally, only scoring 2 in the league before the game, both coming in the first game of the season - but he showed no signs of being low on confidence as he doubled the lead.

Barton again pushed forward and were soon 3 up and when Paul Kay twisted his body like a contortionist to loop a ball high in the air, it reached the assumed target of Barnes 25 yards out from goal. Obviously bouyed by his earlier goal, Liam turned and volleyed the ball low into the bottom corner of the Kingdom net, leaving the goalkeeper little chance on the wet surface.

Barton were now dominating every area of the pitch, and the now dependable defence were having no issues with dealing with any threat that Kingham looked like they could pose.

Just before time there was time for a 4th and a hat trick goal for Barnes. When Nick Higgs's corner was only half defended, Higgs was given another opportunity to deliver the ball into a dangerous area, and the 'Assist Machine' put it on a 6 pence for Barnes at the far post to head back across the goalkeeper into the net. An incredible piece of sportsmanship was also shown from Paul Kay who had the opportunity to tap the ball in but thinking of the team before himself, left the ball to cross the line.

Half Time - Middle Barton 4 - 0 Kingham

In one of manager Ash Stevens easiest half time team talks he has ever had to give - it was a case of keeping going and not letting Kingham back in the game.

The second half started slowly, with Barton keen to hold onto their lead and Kingham happy just to keep the score down as much as possible.

However it was Kingham who scored first in the second half which gave them hopes of an incredible comeback. The Kingham forward was able to find some space in the Barton defence for the first time in the game - he made no mistake by placing the ball past Danny Phillips.

Kinghams hopes of getting back in the game were short lived however and when Acock released Barnes down the right hand side he had enough time to cut inside and place the ball under the oncoming keeper for his 4th of the game and settled the match finally.

Again Kingham came back though - with little to hold onto other than their pride they again found some space in the normally water tight defence and again made no mistake by beating Phillips in the Barton goal.

There was time for one more goal though, and when Barnes beat the keeper to a through ball 25 yards out, he squared the ball to the onrushing Paul Kay. In what seemed an eternity for Paul to decide what to do from 12 yards out - he placed the ball into the corner of the net with 2 Kingham defenders on the goal line to make it 6 - 2.

An outstanding performance from Barton, keeping their good form going and this will be put to the test next week with the visit of league leaders Tower Hill Stars visiting Worton Road.

Full Time - Middle Barton 6 - 2 Kingham All Blacks