Following Saturdays impressive performance against a strong Broughton side, Barton had every reason to be confident going into their next friendly against pre season regulars Adderbury Park. Barton were without a couple of first team players, due to other commitments but were still able to field a strong side, with a debut being given to Nick Higgs in the centre of midfield. It was hoped an impressive performance would seal the signature of the former Stonesfield player - looking for a fresh challenge after 21 years at his home club.

Due to ensuring that his customers highlights were completed - Paul Kay was delayed getting to the game, meaning Lewis Fowler was moved back to more familiar surroundings from his impressive midfield performance on Saturday. However, within 2 minutes of the start of the game, he probably wished he was anywhere but in defence when Michael Briggs played a cross field ball which Lewis couldnt get out of the way of - the ball fell kindly to Adderbury's forward who had the simplest of jobs of lobbing keeper Briggs (which is easy) to make it 1-0. A mixture of Adderbury being very sharp and Bartons poor defending meant that chances were coming Adderbury's way all to easily for Bartons liking and it was not too long until the scoreline was doubled. A cross from the left found the feet of the big number 9 and with his back to the goal backheeled the ball under the despairing Briggs.

At times it felt like Adderbury were going to score at ease every time they went forward, Barton seemed nervous in defence and only some last ditch challenges kept the scoreline down. Not long after the second goal was scored, Paul Kay replaced Lewis Fowler in defence due to the later having a tight hamstring. Looking at the size of his legs, im surprised he has a hamstring to be tight, but who am i to judge.....

The change seemed to shore up the Barton defence and the vocal Paul Kay was straight into organising the defence and ensuring that no more goals were conceded. A more solid platform at the back also meant Barton could start to create some chances of their own and after some great work by Liam Barnes and Jack Eley down the left hand side, Barton should have got a goal back when Eley squared the ball to John Umney on the oppositions penalty spot. With an open goal, Umney side footed over the bar nad hung his head in embarrassment - this was confounded when Jack Fowler commented on the miss - 'I would of put my house on you missing that'. Its a good thing Umney doesnt suffer from confidence issues.

Barton were starting to get a grip of the game finally with the impressive Nick Higgs in the midfield with George Wood starting to get more possession and getting a foothold in the game. Another chance soon followed for Barton when Jonny Sokol released Jack Eley and after Eley turned the defender on the edge of the box to get a sight of goal, watched as his strike went agonisingly wide at the far post.

Not long later though and Barton had their goal - a superb cross from Nick Higgs picked out John Umney on the edge of the box and his header flew over the Adderbury goalkeeper into the top of the net. A goal born in Marlborough School and scored in Middle Barton - Barton were back in the game. 2-1.

A few minutes later and it quite easily could have been 2-2, after an attempted breakaway the ball fell at the feet of the more confident John Umney, and from 30 yards decided to have a strike at goal. The ball looked for a moment as if it was heading into the top corner until the Adderbury goalkeeper dived and caught the goal bound strike.

Half time - Barton 1 - 2 Adderbury Park

A number of changes at half time, with Matty Haynes making his final appearance in a Middle Barton shirt. Matty has decided to move back to Spartan Rangers - the club Barton signed him from in January due to the fact first team football will not be guaranteed this season after the signing of Danny Phillips. Matty came in last season and was an ever present until the end of the season after Barton had struggled with a consistent goalkeeper. Middle Barton would like to thank Matty for his commitment to the club and wish him well for the forthcoming season at Spartan - that is unless we play against him.

Also coming on at half time were Liam Day and Luke Cornforth 2 young players making their first appearances pre season. The second half was a bit of a non event as far as Middle Barton were concerned - Adderbury were too strong, too quick and too good for in the second half and scored goal after goal in the second period. The match reporter was also too tired at this point to take too much notice of how goals were scored to write it down on here.

A late consolation was scored however, after great work down the left hand side by Luke Cornforth, he crossed to find Liam Barnes on his own in the box and as Liam has shown so far this pre season, 1 touch to control and the second touch ended with the ball in the back of the net.

Full time - Barton 2 - 9 Adderbury Park

A big thank you to all at Adderbury Park for coming over (and destroying our confidence), good luck to you all this season and we will see you next pre season where we will try and give you more of a test.

Good news wasnt too far away however, with Nick Higgs committing to Middle Barton this season - terms were agreed over sausage and chips and Nick signed on the dotted line. The management team are sure that Nick's presence in the midfield will further strengthen the side and the loss of Josh Hunt during the off season is becoming a distant thought.

Next up we have Hook Norton Vets on Wednesday night which will again prove a tough test for the team - but that is what pre season is for...