Reserves fall to defeat against Lincoln Moorlands

The Reserves travelled to table topping Lincoln Moorlands looking to build on Tuesday’s home victory against Tetney but a frustrating afternoon for Liam Graham’s men meant they returned empty handed following a 3-0 defeat to the current champions of the Lincolnshire League.

Frustrating when just three weeks previous, the Reserves got a point in the return fixture, however Luke Blackburn was added to the injury list (fractured cheek) and a number of other key players missing for the game. That being said Graham handed full debut to new signing Jacob Sweeting and a place on the bench for 16 year old Ross Walker who’s a new addition.

The game arguably started in Barton’s favour as they created 3 really good opportunities to break the deadlock in the opening 20 minutes, Sweeting was unlucky to to get his goal on debut early as the Moorlands stopper scored himself, Everitt then had his goal bound effort bravely blocked by the Moorlands defender. Chapman was then unfortunate when his effort was tipped over by the keeper again.

Moorlands’ style was clear & obvious so it worked as they took the lead midway through the half with a set piece as Cass nodded in at the back post being allowed a free header in doing so on 23 minutes.

Moorlands were forced into an early change which went on to benefit them as they doubled their lead on half hour from a long throw Barton failed to clear their lines and Shipman was there to prod home from close range to punish some lacklustre defending.

Barton were much better second half as they seemed to get some success down the right hand side but frustratingly for the away side found the moorlands defence organised, brave and resilient on their efforts to keep Barton out.

The three 16 year olds Clayton , Walker and Forman all came on and got valuable minutes into them, the latter finding his way into the book for a late challenge which had been creeping into both sides’ games. Moorlands made it game set and match with Barton pushing for a goal to get back in the game. Shipman raced clear and neatly lifted the ball over the advancing Dunn in the 75th minute to seal victory for the home side.

The Reserves now turn their attention to county cup action as they make an appearance in the competition for the first time since the first team would have last taken place in it back in 2004/5. As they make the journey over to Horncastle Town for a 1:30 kick off.