Swans battle for win at Athersley

Barton Town picked up their second win in a matter of days with a battling 4-2 win over Athersley Recreation at Sheerien Park.

After going behind shortly before half time, new signing Kieran Mortimer brought the Swans level just before half time. After going behind again soon after the restart, the Swans scored three second half goals through Scott Matthews, Robbie Start and Luke Anderson to seal the win.

The Swans had a threadbare squad, with Josh Batty and Chaz Fisher suspended, and injuries to Matt Plummer, Josh Baker as well as long term injury absentees Noel Burdett and Luke Hornsey. Josh Eccles received his first start while Kieran Mortimer was given a debut after signing for the club this week.

Barton had most of the early pressure, with a barrage of chances on the Athersley goal. Scott Matthews hit the bar, as well as having various half chances where the ball just wouldn’t fall right for us.

The hosts were trying to play on the break and catch us out. It worked just before half time. Jack Bennett ran into space, and Charlie Dixon came out to meet him. Bennett rounded Dixon and tapped into an empty net.

Almost instantly after the kick off, Barton won a free kick in a threatening position. Matthews swung the ball in and Mortimer rose highest to head the ball home after the keeper came out to try and clear it. A goal on his debut.

Barton were on top for most of the first half, but found themselves behind again after just three minutes of the second half. Another counter saw Bennett again slot his effort low into the bottom corner for his and Athersley’s second of the game.

Matthews was causing all kinds of problems down the left hand side. Bursting runs and getting into the right areas. Having a couple of shots which went wide and were blocked by the home defence.

On 66 minutes however he was presented with a golden chance to equalize. The Swans won a penalty for handball and Matthews was chosen to take it. He shot to his left but the ‘keeper got down well to save it and the ball was cleared.

Ten minutes later Barton won a free kick on the edge of the area. Again Matthews was elected to take it, and this time he made no mistake. He hit a low driven free kick which sailed into the bottom corner to pull Barton level.

Kieran Mortimer came off injured ten minutes before the end, allowing reserve team full back Bryn Everitt to come on for his first team debut. Fellow reserves player Kian Salter also came on for a brief cameo at the end.

Nine minutes from time Barton took the lead. Josh Eccles laid off Robbie Start, who struck first time and it deflected into the bottom corner. A fine finish as Barton didn’t look back.

In the 88th minute it was four as a fantastic cross-field ball was met by the head of Luke Anderson, who headed home his first competitive goal for the club. It sealed an important win for Barton with Athersley being a difficult place to go and get a result.

Attention now turns to Bridlington Town on Saturday in what will be a stern test for Rob Watson’s side.