Swans below-par in defeat to Knaresborough

Barton Town lost out away from home for the first time this season with a 2-1 loss at Knaresborough Town.

A goal after 53 seconds from Ben Parkes opened the scoring for the hosts before Danny Edwards doubled the lead 20 minutes from time. Scott Matthews’ free kick restored hope for the Swans before a stoppage time equaliser was ruled out for Barton, condemning them to defeat on the road.

It was a less than ideal start for the Swans as the hosts were ahead after just 53 seconds. A cross into the box was headed back across goal, with Ben Parkes the happy recipient. He tapped into the back of the net to put Knaresborough ahead.

Ben Hinchliffe almost got the Swans back into the game after six minutes when he shot from the edge of the area. But his left footed strike sailed over the bar.

The Swans were enjoying a lot of possession, but it was the defence getting the most touches. No matter how they tried all attacking attempts were cut out by a strong Knaresborough defence. After half an hour the hosts were taking longer than usual to play the ball, resulting in a booking from the referee.

A moment later a Knaresborough free kick hit the cross bar before bouncing out, another warning from the hosts.

Shortly before the break Nathan Hotte robbed the ball off the Knaresborough defender and was in a good position. He shot which hit the bar and was latched onto by Hinchliffe with his back to goal. He was pushed off the ball by a defender and the chance went begging with the Swans behind at the break.

Ten minutes into the second half and Will Waudby was in space on the edge of the box. His run resulted in a shot from distance which was caught by the keeper with a good save.

The hour mark saw Swans keeper Ben Voase forced into an excellent save before Barton countered. Henry Parr with some neat footwork played in Hinchliffe. His turn to create space resulted in his shot being blocked with a last ditch tackle.

69 minutes in and the hosts doubled their lead. Danny Edwards was given space to run into the area and side-foot his shot past Voase to make it two nil.

Five minutes later the Swans pulled a goal back. A free kick on the right side was swung in by Scott Matthews. As he’s done twice already this season his free kick went into the top corner to give Barton hope.

Two minutes from the end Matthews was in action back in defence as the ball was rolling towards the net. But his excellent tackle and goal-line clearance rescued the Swans from conceding another.

In stoppage time the Swans were throwing everything at Knaresborough. Matthews whipped in a corner which was headed in by the Swans for an equaliser. However the linesman had flagged for an apparent foul on the ‘keeper and the referee ruled out the goal. Much to the dismay of all involved in sky blue.

Try as they might the Swans couldn’t find the second goal and lost out for the second time this season. The winless streak at Knaresborough continues.