This proved to be the Youths best performance to date, where every player played his part against a side who had just lossed 3 -1 to Southend United in the FA Youth Cup. Conditions were ideal for an entertaining game of football and for those who made the effort, were not duely dissapointed. The team looked to have the right sort of balance, with impressive performances by new boys Ben Gostick and Dave Arbon. We had the return of Ashley "the low shorts" Rankin back from suspension and Neil Hayward having missed last weeks league game through injury. So once again a defensive mistake cost us a goal to go in at half-time 0 - 1 down. No complaints on taking that into the changing room as we were still in with a shout. HALF-TIME 0 - 1
The start of the second proved to be even better than the first, so it was frustrating to see an early second goal conceded by another defensive allowed Barton in for a soft goal that struggled to crawl over the line to make it 0 -2. What was particularly pleasing was that heads did not drop at this point and I might add that the defence and the keeper (who was outstanding) had played to their full potential in spite of the mistakes. Matt Wilson continues to impress in every match he plays and works well with a promising young talent for the club in Neil Hayward. Eventually Neil Hayward had to be substituted through exhaustion and tiredness from the previous days exploits in a 120min thriller for Wanderers Reserves. All 3-subs were introduced during the half and offered the same commitment and determination slotting into the formation. So when AshleyRankin pulled one back to make it 1 - 2, this gave Wanderers a lifeline and saw Barton on the back foot for once. However it was not to be and we wish Barton Rovers well and a safe long journey home.
Thanks to Paul Grainger and Dave Tournay-Godfrey for their support today.
