Barrow Hill M.C...5 AFC Walton....4.
Benny faced up to his teams toughest challenge of the season, knowing that MOST of his squad had spet the previous day out and around Sheffield. Despite this he took the bold decision to place his wingers as full backs to combat the pacy players Barrow Hill had in thier ranks. Both teams started the game in what appeared to be slow motion as the struggled to get to grips with the game MC carved out the first real chance after 9 mins winning a corner, the ball was swung in to the back post and as the visitors defence stood still the ball was headed across the goal but luckilly to safety. This was a short respite however as in the 12th minute a throw was won out on the left, a long throw was hurled in and AFC's captain SHAUN GOODWIN inadvertantly headed past Furniss for 1-0. Barrow Hill spurred on by this shook off thier slumber and pushed forward in waves of attack. They went further ahead on 18 mins, a ball into the box saw Furniss dive at the feet of the striker taking his feet as he squared to shoot giving the referee little choice but point to the spot. The resulting kick was fired home for 2-0.
Things got even WORSE just 2 minutes later, Bennett, who looked totally out of sorts, lost the ball in midfield, a cutting through ball sliced the AFC defence open, and the ball was slotted past Furnss for a comfortable 3-0 lead. AT LAST AFC flickred into some life, Bettney on a strong run was pulled down in his stride, he took the free kick, flicking the ball up into the box, it was cleared to the edge where WRIGHT was lurking to SMASH his 99th goal of his AFC Walton career with a crisp 1st time shot. The visitors began to rally for a while and looked to get back into the game. Furniss made a fine turn over from a MC attack, and from the corner the striker headed over when well placed. A quickly taken throw by the smart thinking Bettney set Mitchell scampering up the line, but he found himself crowded out as he tried to cut inside to shoot. After this short spell however the visitors comeback was quashed as another through ball through the defence from WELL in the hosts half saw Furniss again hoplessly exposed for 4-1. Danny Brown spared the visitors blushes moments later clearing a corner off his own line and then firing just over at the other end as he got on to the end of an attack. With seconds of the first half remainig, AFC won a free kick which they made a TOTAL HASH of, losing the ball and yet again allowing Furniss to be totally exposed, the ball was taken round him and rolled into the net. HALF TIME Barrow Hill M.C...5 AFC Walton...1.
Benny decided to make just ONE change at half time, replacing Shane Bennett with Steve Miles who went into the back four, pushing Silcock into the vacant midfield berth. And encouraging a show of spirit and pride which THANKFULLY the team obliged to a point. They pulled a valuble goal back within 7 minutes of the restart, a superb team move involving a number of players saw Lee Walton power down the left wing before playing in Lee Wright, who controlled the pass before picking out BETTNEY who scored with a crisp finish just inside the post. A miracle seemed on the cards just 3 minutes later, a brilliant strong run by MOTM Danny Brown, saw him upended right on the edge of the box, after a short pause the referee pointed to the spot despite the pleas of the MC defenders who were convinced it was JUST OUTSIDE the box. A small altercation over who was taking the penalty ensued, and eventually BETTNEY fired the spot kick home to keep his tremendous run of scoring in 9 out of 10 games this season going, he has now scored in his LAST 6 games.
Moments later Brown went close with a snap shot that was well held by the hosts keeper. And Mitchell shot just wide when well placed. Barrow Hill were camped in thier own half for long periods as AFC continued to press, but Furniss STILL had to be alert making a couple a smart saves when called upon. As a few tempers became frayed the referee had to caution a number of players for various offences as Barrow Hill tried to run down the clock and AFC were becoming more anious. It was AFC who later found the net when MITCHELL grabbed his 19th of the season after Danny Brown picked him out with a classy first time pass. This set up a fine finish, but Barrow Hill managed to hang on. A shamefull 1st half performance cost AFC dear as they missed the chance to go top of the pile, with results elsewhere they in fact ended up DROPPING 2 places into 4th. They now meet NEW LEAGUE leaders Harleys Scarlets at Inkersall Road at the weekend. FULL TIME Barrow Hill M.C...5 AFC Walton....4
