Barwell 1 Buxton 0

Barwell continued their ascent of the league table, finishing the day in thirteenth place and progressed again towards mathematical safety as they played out a tight battle with Buxton.

With both teams enjoying decent runs of results in recent weeks, this match was destined to be keenly fought.

The home side were unchanged from Tuesday’s victory over Skelmersdale.
Barwell took the lead after just 14 minutes as Jack Edwards found Connor Gudger in the area. He slipped the ball into the path of Luke Barlone who slammed it into the awaiting net.

With both sides organised at the back, chances on goal were few but Gudger went close with a free kick that almost shaved the right post.

Five minutes before the break, a Tony Capaldi corner was headed goalwards by Richard Lavery. The ball was cleared off the line to Barlone whose subsequent shot hit the post.

The second half did little to inspire however a long Capaldi free kick midway through the period forced a save from Buxton keeper Andy Warrington as he misjudged the bounce and was forced to palm the ball over his bar.

With both sets of defenders on form, goals were always going to be hard to come by and the Canaries can be well satisfied with the three points.

Richard Lavery was an ever present in all areas of the pitch and was instrumental in the confident attitude found amongst all the players. He justifiably earned the Man of the Match award.

Team: Liam Castle, Scott Lower, Tony Capaldi, Matt Preston, Jamie Hood, Richard Lavery, Jack Edwards, Ben Love (Scott Hadland 71), Luke Barlone (Guy Hadland 88), Nigel Julien (Danny Griffiths 67), Connor Gudger.
Subs not used: Tom Weale, Kieron Brehon.

Goal: Barlone 14 (assist Gudger)

Attentance: 172

MIRA Man of the Match: Richard Lavery.