Narrow Defeat For Daniels

A perfect summers day saw Stamford AFC visit Barwell FC for a pre-season friendly.

The first half was lively with a number of chances for both sides and the midfield generally cancelling each other out. Elliot Putman was replaced by Jon Challinor following a head injury cut to Putman. Liam Adams had a good chance when he got by Brad Gascoigne, plus a free header was cleared of the line, were the only highlights from the first half.

In the second half, Barwell started the brighter and a series of corners challenged the Daniels defences with one chance from Brady Hickey hitting the bar. Plus a chance from Danny Pritchard saw Dan Haystead having to parry away. Barwell took the lead through an extremely unfortunate own goal from Jordan Cooke leaving Danny Haystead stranded.

Barwell made a number of changes throughout the second half, similarly so did Stamford with Harry Peasgood being replaced to see a welcome return to Chris Salt. Ollie Brown Hill replaced Liam Adams and Ben George and Joe Burgess replaced later in the game to see Sam Grouse and Liam Adams back up front.

The mystery surrounding Stamford AFC’s No. 19 will remain a mystery too, as the gaffer didn’t know who he was either – as Barwell offered to loan Stamford a substitute trialist and was used for the last ten minutes.

Barwell continued to press Stamford higher in the later stages and Brady Hickey hit the bar again for the second time, desperately needing VAR to rescue his plea with the linesman and referee for a decision. The referee then blew the final whistle a minute afterwards.

A good run out for the Daniels and a welcome return to match action for Chris Salt.