Swans in scrappy Handsworth stalemate
7th November 2022| Barton Town | 0-0 | Handsworth |
| Att: 226 |
Barton Town played out a goalless draw with Handsworth at the Easy Buy Stadium. It was a game full of half chances but neither side could find the breakthrough.
On a cold and wet afternoon by the Humber, the Swans couldn’t find a goal against a strong and resilient Handsworth defence. Swans boss Nathan Jarman named an unchanged starting XI to the one that defeated Thackley 5-0 last week. There was a place on the bench for new signing Sam Cable, replacing Jarman.
| # | Player |
| 1 | Ryan Musselwhite ⭐ |
| 2 | Josh Lacey |
| 3 | Scott Matthews |
| 4 | Nathan Hotte (c) 🟡 |
| 5 | Tom Davie 🟡 |
| 6 | Taron Hare |
| 7 | Tom Waudby 🟡 |
| 8 | Craig King |
| 9 | Ben Hinchliffe |
| 10 | Harrison Coley 🔻Parr 76 |
| 11 | Will Waudby 🟡 🔻Cable 63 |
| 12 | Mitchell Levi-Lewis |
| 14 | Henry Parr 🔺Coley 76 |
| 15 | Chris Spinks |
| 16 | Sam Cable 🔺W.Waudby 63 |
| 17 | Jack Tanser |
It was the visitors who had the first chance of the game, when Leon Howarth struck from the edge of the box. Swans ‘keeper Ryan Musselwhite pulled off an excellent save to deny the prolific striker.
It was then Handsworth ‘keeper Ben Townsend’s turn to be on the ball as Will Waudby’s shot from point blank range was kept out thanks to an excellent save from Townsend. Moments later Tom Waudby showed a neat piece of skill to break clear and run down on goal. His shot however was fired into the side netting and out for a goal kick.
Aside from the early flurry of chances, the half was end to end but both sides cancelled each other out. Will Waudby had a decent effort before the break but couldn’t fire his header past Townsend.
Handsworth had a perfect chance to take the lead but the shot from just six yards out was fired over high and wide. There was also a moment of contention when Ben Hinchliffe chased down a loose ball. He knocked it past Townsend but the ‘keeper brought down the Swans striker. The referee deeming it a coming together and play continued.
The second half was more of the same. Five minutes after the break Tom Davie struck from 40 yards out. His effort only just clearing the crossbar with Townsend off his line.
Barton had an appeal for a penalty turned down when Craig King was wiped out in the box. Referee John Blades waved away any protests and play on continued.
Sam Cable was introduced to Swans fans with 25 minutes to go, replacing Will Waudby. Looking dangerous throughout, the new acquisition seems a shrewd signing from Jarman.
Despite a few late corners for the Swans, the second half came to a close with neither side able to find that all-important goal.
