BARWELL 2 MICKLEOVER 5

Barwell welcomed Mickleover back to the UK Flooring Direct Stadium for the first time since 2018 on a cold autumn afternoon and it would be the visitors leaving with all three points. It was a quick start to the game with both sides having half chances early on but nothing to trouble either keeper. It wouldn’t be long though until the deadlock was broken, as big defender Kyle Rowley headed through the keepers legs to put Barwell a goal to the good. Barwell could have doubled their lead three minutes later when Max Brogan fired wide from a tight angle. Mickleover slowly grew back into the game after this early set back, and were level after 18 minutes, when Ryan Wilson drilled his effort through a sea of bodies into the bottom corner. A quiet spell then occurred which only really featured some half chances for both sides, although the visitors had more of the ball. On 32 minutes Mickleover took the lead, when Ryan Wilson this time caught the Barwell keeper off his line from a free kick.

Barwell made a half time substitution as Roger Lee came on for Sid Kerr in midfield. The change couldn’t do much to prevent the third for Mickleover, when George Ward’s back pass dribbled under debutant keeper Alfie Roberts foot and in. On the hour mark Barwell made their second change as Max Brogan made way for Tiago Nassunculo. However, a minute later the visitors made it 4-1, with Stuart Beavon pouncing on a spilled ball by Roberts. Ten minutes later Barwell made their third and final change, with tricky winger Beck-Ray Enoru coming off for Cameron Moore. A quieter period followed; both sides knocked the ball around nicely, with Mickleover having the better chance. With 90 gone on the clock, Barwell grabbed a consolation to make it 4-2, with skipper Brady Hickey heading home from close range. However, the scoring wouldn’t end there, as deep in stoppage time the visitors scored again, this time substitute George Nunn tapped home from close range.