Barton Town OB v Clipstone match report

Three points on the road for battling Cobras

Toolstation Northern Counties East – Premier Division
Saturday 17 December 2016
At The Easy Buy Ground, Barton-on-Humber
Barton Town Old Boys (1) 1
Williamson 11
Clipstone FC (1) 2
Milner 10, Austin 48
Attendance : 62
Cobras’ Man of the Match: Richard Patterson
Report by Jim McIntosh (@Realalerunner)

Clipstone were rewarded with all three points for a hardworking display on the banks of the Humber.

On a heavy pitch, which resembled those seen on a Sunday morning at this time of year, Billy Fox’s players showed the necessary desire and their celebrations at the end were evidence of what the win meant to them.
They were inspired throughout by skipper Richard Patterson who led by example at both ends of the pitch and deservedly took the Cobras’ man of the match award.

There were two changes to the side that drew two-all with AFC Mansfield in midweek with Joe Austin (pictured) returning in place of Luke Randle and Steve McDonnell starting in place of Reece Treasure.

George Milner made a lively start for the visitors and nearly got onto a through ball from Patterson in the first few minutes but James Williamson managed to clear the ball before Milner could reach it. At the other end a move down the right saw the ball crossed to James Nichols whose shot was blocked by Rob Paling.

The Cobras took the lead on ten minutes when Patterson and Steve McDonnell combined on the left hand side and the latter pulled the ball back to Milner whose right foot shot was perfectly placed into the corner of the net. 0-1

However the lead only lasted sixty seconds when poor defending gifted an equaliser to Barton. Clipstone conceded a free kick near the area for handball and when an initial header came back off the bar, static defending allowed Williamson to head home the rebound. 1-1

Chances were at a premium as both sides struggled to find a game plan that would work on such a heavy pitch and the Cobras’ Patterson and McDonnell were the two players who adapted the best. On 21 minutes after the latter showed great tenacity to win back possession, he set up a shooting chance for Patterson on the edge of the area but it was straight at Watson who was not unduly troubled.

Patterson then found McDonnell in the area who produced a great finish only to find that the Assistant was flagging for offside. McDonnell, who played through most of the half with a knock to the leg from very early in the match, then had a chance after good work from Milner but his first time shot was well over the bar.
Half Time 1-1

McDonnell was replaced after half time by Martin Brissett who immediately had an impact, when a good turn and cross forced Watson to claim the ball at his near post.

The Cobras restored their lead after 48 minutes with a well-worked goal. A corner from the right was flicked on by Patterson to the far post where Joe Austin headed home from close range for his first goal of the season. 1-2

With Jordan Joynson and Milner combining well down the right hand side the visitors continued to carry the greater threat, although frustratingly were unable to grab the vital third goal that their superiority deserved.

There was a chance for Nathan Forbes on the hour mark after a free kick was not properly cleared, but his shot was wide.

Minutes later a long ball nearly put Barton’s Nicholls through, but Joe Austin did well to intervene and play the ball back to Jamie Bailey.

Barton midfielder Williamson should have added to his goal tally when he was first to a near post corner, but shot over when well placed. Williamson then had an even better chance on 71 minutes, when unmarked in the area, but again his shot was wide of the target.

With eight minutes left Joynson played a great ball which allowed Milner to carry the ball into the area but the Cobras’ striker was challenged by a defender and fired wide.

Barton pushed on for an equaliser in the dying minutes. Firstly they were awarded a free kick 25-yards from goal that was taken by their top scorer Jonathan O’Callaghan who put his shot over Bailey’s bar.

In added time Austin then bravely headed a dangerous Barton corner clear. There was still time for a deep cross into the box to cause trouble for Clipstone as Bailey was unable to prevent it reaching substitute Rob Petch but fortunately the Barton player headed wide.

This was the last significant action and the Cobras held on for a fine win and go into back to back games with Worksop Town over the holiday period in good spirits.
Full Time 1-2
The three points put Clipstone up two places to 12th in the league table.
The Cobras’ next game is a Boxing Day game at home to near neighbours Worksop Town at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium on Monday 26 December, 3pm when a big crowd and great atmosphere is anticipated.