Swans held by last-gasp Frickley ‘keeper goal

Barton Town were denied a win at Frickley Athletic thanks to a last minute goal from goalkeeper Callum Bradbury.

Frickley had a penalty in the first half, Alhassane Keita stepping up and having his effort saved by Ryan Musselwhite. Sam Cable scored for the Swans, ending a 250-minute goal drought, with Barton trying to hold on. However a corner deep in injury time was headed in by Bradbury, Frickley’s goalkeeper.

Swans boss Nathan Jarman made three changes, Henry Cook was suspended while Josh Smaller, who had stitches in his head, and Sam Cable were dropped to the bench. James Playford made his first start with Will Waudby and Harrison Coley named in the starting XI.

The first chance of the game fell to the Swans when Coley was played in but forced a good save out of Callum Bradbury in the Frickley goal. It was an end-to-end game with both sides having possession of the ball and half chances.

The Swans defence had to be on hand when Rieves Boocock had two efforts at goal, both were blocked by Clark Greaves and then Josh Lacey.

On the half-hour mark a Frickley attacker broke through on goal, however he mishit his shot and Musselwhite gratefully collected the ball.

Moments later Swans captain Josh Lacey went down with a hamstring injury, being replaced by Josh Smaller, Fraser Papprill taking the captain’s armband.

Ten minutes before half time, Frickley were awarded a bizarre penalty. A corner came in and Musselwhite punched the ball clear. However he was adjudged to have fouled a Frickley player in the process. Up stepped Alhassane Keita but his tame penalty was saved by Musselwhite.

Soon after the break, the Swans had a flurry of chances to take the lead. Unfortunately they were all blocked and the ball was soon put out for a corner. Boocock then going up the other end and glancing an effort just wide.

Sam Cable was introduced from the bench and after a few minutes managed to find a breakthrough. A low cross was sent in by Tom Waudby and Cable was on hand with a diving header to score his first goal of the season.

It was almost two when Clark Greaves’ excellent strike rolled just wide of the Frickley goal. Coley next with a chance to double the lead as he broke clear. However an excellent last-ditch tackle from the Frickley defender denied the Barton striker.

With just moments left in the game Frickley were throwing everything at the Swans. A corner deep in injury time presented the hosts with one last opportunity. Frickley ‘keeper Bradbury came up, and managed to rise highest, heading the ball in the back of the net to score and rescue a point for Frickley.

The Swans had opportunities and played excellent football, but come away with a solitary point.

Photography by Trevor Richens