We welcomed Launton Sports to a sunny Worton Road this afternoon and immediately knew that today was going to be a tough run out after seeing some familiar faces from years gone by in the Launton side.

Before the game had started Middle Barton were thrown into disarray when Jake Freeman turned up at the allocated meet time. Another example of what we are told is a changed man ahead of the season. However he didnt look like he wanted to share his 50p calypo ice lolly.

Without a number of key players, Middle Barton were still able to field a fairly strong starting 11, with Mark Umney playing his first game of football for about 6 years and Jonny Sokol starting only his 2nd Senior football match. However, immediately Middle Barton were aware of the task ahead when Launton broke down the right wing only for the shot to be cleared off the line by Lewis Fowler.

Launton were controlling proceedings and it was no surprise when they took the lead early in the first half, a second was soon followed when their impressive midfielder struck from 30 yards to leave Danny Phillips with very little chance high into the top corner. Middle Barton were struggling to deal with the extra man Launton had in midfield and they were passing the ball around like a team that play in a higher division. A third goal was not far away and Launton's number 9 struck when one on one with Danny Phillips for his second goal of the game.

An injury to the impressive Chris Morgan after 40 minutes meant a reshuffle in the Middle Barton side with Sean Stephens replacing Mark Umney in the attack, changing the formation to 3-5-2 and Mark making a 3 in midfield to combat the extra midfielder Launton had. Hopefully Chris is fit to play in our next friendly on Tuesday night as he has fitted into the backline like he has been playing there for years.

Half Time - Middle Barton 0 - 3 Launton Sports

Manager Stevens made a number of changes at half time, with a back 3 containing of Lewis Fowler, Nick Acock and Joe Brooks looking to not concede and more goals in the second half.

The new formation immediately meant that the freedom Launton were getting in the first half was greatly reduced with Middle Barton having much more possession and not looking like conceding any more goals. Chances were starting to be created also and when JAck Fowler burst down the right wing and fizzed a dangerous looking cross into the box, Mark Umney was unlucky to see his snap shot sail over the cross bar.

Not long after and another chance for Middle Barton, when the evergreen Tony Bott drove through the Launton 18 yard box before chipping a cross to the back post where John Umney could only get a connection with a left foot volley - the ball could of gone anywhere and unfortunately for the hosts it went straight into the grateful goalkeepers arms.

However, Middle Barton were not to be kept down for long and when Jonny Sokol carried the ball from inside his own half towards the opponents box, he got a little bit of luck when the ball bounced kindly leaving Jonny with an open goal from just inside the box. Showing composure beyond his years he rolled the ball into the open net to get the goal Middle Barton deserved.

The final 10 minutes were played out with a number of players being used in what can only be described as 'experimental' positions and stand in referee Tim Fowler drew the game to a conclusion.

Final Score - Middle Barton 1 - 3 Launton Sports

A good work out for Middle Barton against a strong Launton side will hold them in good stead for the season ahead. Lessons learned, minutes under the belt and more opportunities for new players meant it was a very useful afternoons work.