After a weekend off after the monumental victory over Ascot, Barton were back in action against Chipping Norton Town in the Junior Shield. After victories last season against Premier League and higher division teams last season, Barton had no reason to feel inferior to their local neighbours and were able to field a virtual full strength side, with only injured Jack Eley the notable absentee.

Setting up in the same formation as the Ascot game, Barton were looking again to keep the Chipping Norton attack at bay as much as possible and take any opportunities they could at the other end. The defence were to be tested early on with Chipping Norton coming out of the blocks quickly and using their wide players to push the Barton defence back at any opportunity,

After 10 minutes Chipping Norton were adamant they had won a penalty when the Chipping Norton attacker got to the ball slightly before Lewis Fowler - it looked for the whole world like Lewis had committed a foul, but the referee didn't see it that way and the penalty appeals were turned down.

Barton were founding it hard to get a foot hold in the game with the Chipping Norton midfield giving the Barton midfield a lesson in keeping the ball and creating chances, but the Barton defence looked like they had picked up where they had left off a fortnight ago and were not letting anything through easily. Chipping Norton were only able to create long range chances and all were kept out comfortably by 'small hands' Phillips in the Barton goal.

Barton were only able to create half chances at the other end, with John Umney heading over and Tony Bott firing wide when given half chances.

Half time - Chipping Norton 0 - 0 Middle Barton

Liam Barnes replaced Owen Hunt at half time, hoping that his extra pace might cause the Chipping Norton defence a few problems. However the game continued in a similar vein, with Chipping Norton dictating in midfield but making no progress past the Middle barton defence.

Middle Barton did create their best chance of the game though and when Liam Barnes skipped past the 'lump' in defence, he was able to run onto goal with still a lot of work to do - as he reached the edge of the box Barnes let his shot fly but unfortunately didn't get the connection he wanted and dragged it wide of the goalkeepers post.

The pressure on the Barton goal was finally broken however, and after a superb ball that split the Barton defence apart, the Chipping Norton attacker found himself one on one with Danny Phillips - and he finished superbly into the bottom right hand corner.

Barton could have let their heads drop but continued to try and create their own chances and were rewarded 10 minutes later, when a great passing move from Barton found Nick Acock making his way to the by line - his cross fizzed across the box and found John Umney at the far post and keeping a cool head - the iceman tucked the ball underneath the opposing keeper to draw the score level.

It was still anybody's game and with the match looking like it was going to go to Extra Tie it was Chipping Norton who stepped up a gear and after some consistent pressure on the Barton goal won the game with a point blank header after a free kick had been taken from the corner - Phillips wouldn't of seen the ball fly past him and he stood no chance.

Full Time - Chipping Norton 2 - 1 Middle Barton

Another good performance from the boys in blue, with the defence again looking assured for the majority of the game. Barton have never had issues scoring goals but recently the defence has also tightened up and made it much more difficult for the opposition to score.

A lot of confidence should be taken from giving a good Premier Division side a very tough game and won they didn't take lightly,

Next week we are back to league action against Kingham, and we owe them a beating after our recent league meeting.