BARWELL 1 TAMWORTH 4

Barwell went into the game off the back of a much needed win on Tuesday night, but Tamworth showed why they are top of the league. Tamworth started the brighter, winning consecutive corners until they eventually headed wide and the danger passed. With 10 minutes played, The Lambs had a brilliant effort that cannoned down off the crossbar. Some home fans believed it had crossed the line but the Linesman was adamant it stayed out. A few minutes later The Canaries had their first proper chance, as Jack Deakin fired a shot from the edge of the box, but a strong hand from Tamworth keeper Jasbir Singh kept him out. It was the hosts who found themselves in the Referee’s book first after their number 10 Ty Deacon committed a foul that won Barwell a free-kick in a dangerous area. The free-kick was headed out for a corner by Tamworth. However, from the resulting corner disaster struck for the visitors as Tamworth countered, before finding Luke Fairlamb who slotted home past Andy Wycherley. A quiet spell then occurred, with both sides having a few half chances but nothing major until Tamworth doubled their advantage on 41 minutes, with league top scorer Dan Creaney heading home from a corner. It wasn’t long, however, until Barwell found a way back into the game thanks to Jack Deakin who flicked the ball past Singh into the far post after connecting with a Tiago Nassunculo cross. That goal means it’s two in two for Mansfield loanee Deakin.

It was an entertaining start to the second half, with both teams playing some excellent end to end football but it was probably Barwell who looked the most likely to score at the time. With 57 minutes gone, The Canaries made their first change as Roger Lee made way for new signing Sidney Kerr. More pressure from Barwell was almost undone as Tamworth once again countered from a corner but this time the shot was dragged just wide. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before Tamworth regained their two goal cushion, Dan Creaney again firing past Wycherley at his near post. Barwell made a change to attempt to get back into the fray as assist maker Nassunculo came off for Michael Harding. Barwell did almost grab another goal back after good work from Beck-Ray Enoru down the left hand side allowed Deakin to take the shot, but with the angle closing, he was only able to smash his effort into the post. Barwell went into the book for the only time on 80 minutes as substitute Kerr was shown a yellow card for a late challenge. A superb Deakin came off on 85 minutes to be replaced by Deen Master.
Nonetheless, after the third goal, the hosts showed their class and grabbed a deserved fourth on 89 minutes, sub Alexander Jones finding the back of the net.