Swans Reserves in agonising Westella loss

Westella & Willerby	2-1	Barton Town Reserves
Jones 5, 35		Darwood 21

The Reserves fell to another agonising narrow defeat on Saturday at the hands of Westella & Willerby. They ran out 2-1 winners to keep their title chances alive In a game that was controlled by the howling wind and rain. That defeat is the 11th time out of 14 defeats that the Reserves have gone down by the odd goal, something which could prove to be the downfall in the season.

Manager Liam Graham welcomed back Clay Bryant and Robin Woodforth, along with Bryn Everitt all who went straight into the starting 11 for the game.

#	Player
1	Jack Dunn
2	Thomas Dixon
3	Kian Salter
4	Matthew Hinchliffe
5	Clay Bryant (c)
6	Robin Woodforth 🔻Atkinson 46
7	Luke Kershaw ⭐
8	Tom Darwood ⚽
9	Michael Broom
10	Adam Whall
11	Bryn Everitt 🔻Oliver 78
12	Joe Atkinson 🔺Woodforth 46
13	Sam Wood
14	Connah Oliver 🔺Everitt 78
15	Harry Finnis
17	Liam Graham

It was a nightmare start for the Reserves as they fell a goal behind after just five minutes. Barton failed to deal with a corner and Jones nicked in to prod home to give Westella the advantage.

The wind was proving to be a big part of how the game flowed and Barton were growing into the game. Everitt’s cross was dangerous with no one on the end, a succession of corners created pressure. Kerins went close for Westella but his effort went just wide of the Barton goal.

There was a slight touch of fortune about the Barton equaliser, which came in the 21st minute. Tom Darwood picked up the loose ball some 25 yards out and knowing the wind would aid the shot went for the spectacular curling effort which went over Westella ‘keeper Dixon and sailed into the top corner to level things up.

The goal lifted the Reserves and Dixon was in inspired form as he clawed everything in his way, Everitt had two great chances to put the Reserves in front but his tame efforts were easy for the keeper to deal with.

This time it was Westella’s turn for a touch of fortune as Jones hit a long ball across field which was heading towards goal (wind assisted) as Swans keeper Dunn caught it under his bar, the ball bounced out of his grasp and Into his net to give Jones and Westella their second and a 2-1 lead at the break.

Woodforth gave way at the break for Atkinson, and Barton looked threatening, frustrated by the Westella Skipper who was breaking play up at every opportunity. Barton threw everything at the Westella defence and goal in an attempt to get back level. The best chance of a difficult second half fell to Broom who was twice thwarted when clear. Firstly, Dixon was again defiant in his attempt to keep the ball out his net as Broom’s effort was saved. His follow up was then bravely blocked on the line by Mortimer to deny The Swans a much-deserved equaliser and give Westella three points and the double over Barton for the season.

The Reserves must dust themselves down quickly, as they welcome LIV Supplies to The Easy Buy stadium on Friday night in a huge game. Kick off is at 7:45 and as much support as possible is wanted to give the lads the boost they need in a bid to get three important points.