Barnton Frozen Out by a Second Half Jaffa Cake Fuelled Goal Frenzy

Davenham (4:0) Barnton (Heaword, Whitney, Rogerson, Greenwood)

Following at least a dozen separate and independent pitch inspections, the Moss Farm Arena under soil heating was judged to have done its job and Davenham and Barnton locked horns with three valuable league points at stake.  In fact, by the time kick off arrived, the sun was shining and the pitch looked perfect for a great afternoons football - the hosts and the black and white travelling army were not disappointed.  The last game between the two sides was a close affair and although Barntons results have since been erratic, a further competitive encounter was eagerly anticipated by all.

The mighty goldmen set about their game plan, and despite kicking into the January breeze, took the game to the visitors and it wasnt long before chances were being created. In form Joe Heaword found good space down the right flank but unfortunately his effort was poked directly at the keeper who saved well.  The  Hitman, Kirkness was putting the Barnton defence under pressure, and on numerous occasions winning tackles he wasnt expected to.  It was following good work, that he released Kennerley with an inch perfect ball, only for the Davenham leading scorer to be denied by a well-positioned keeper. Kirkness continued to chase down lost causes and used his pace well to be rewarded with two excellent chances.  Unfortunately for Davenham  both chances beat the advancing keeper but likewise rolled agonisingly inches wide of the post. The early exchanges were far from one way traffic and Barnton were well matched in the middle of the park. Matty Stitch playing in a different left midfield role created his own space well, aided by the tenacious Buzzer Burrows and floated in several excellent left footed crosses, but it seemed to be one of those days, where lady luck wasnt shining down on the Davenhamers. The difference in the two sides came down to a Super Sammy Hill and Antrobus inspired defence, who held their position well, tackling impeccably and reducing Barnton to half chances. Anything behind the defence was mopped up by Danno, whos handling has been a revelation this season Great work Danno keep it up.and so this became the story of  an exciting, pulsating first half. Davenham unable to convert numerous good chances, Barnton competing well but unable to breach the defence of Hill, Antrobus, Burrows, Wadsworth, Greenwood. Also on numerous occasions Davenham executed training drills, set pieces and and throw-in manoeuvres (courtesy of Greenwood) to put Barnton under pressure but the goals just didnt run for the Mid Cheshire maestros.

Halftime and 0:0, and with Barnton looking the happier of the two camps.  Half time brought opportunity for the Davenham management to make changes, re focus the boys but most importantly get the Jaffa cakes flowing! The message was all about remaining patient regarding  the scoreline and the build up play, but applying more urgency in the last third.and for some players to start playing the easy ball too often Davenham were trying to over complicate their football, giving possession away.

A resurgent Davenham returned to the field and great link up play between Wadsworth and Rogerson emphasized a Davenham team with fresh impetus. Davenham forced several corners and eventually they latched onto a free ball, which Barnton failed to clear and Heaword, from the outside of the box accurately steered the ball into the bottom corner, 1:0 to the Davenhamers and Heawords 5^th goal in 5 games. All of suddenly Heawords goal and the halftime Jaffa Cakes, seemed to have inspired new energy into the Davenham cause with Drinkwater and Whitney winning the 50-50 balls in the middle of the park. Following sustained pressure, a further goalmouth scramble developed and Whitney, the midfield powerhouse was first to react, crashing a powerful, unstoppable drive straight down the mouth of the keeper (well, not literally) 2:0 to the men in gold n Black and a sigh of relief from the touchline.  Alex Lonsdale and Full Force Forster impressed down the left flank and courageously Big Al charged down a Barnton clearance to keep up the Davenham pressure. Whitney played in a beautiful corner and Rogerson was first to react to charge down an intended clearance into the back of the onion bag 3:0, and the Davenham outfit were now in full control. Barnton certainly didnt give up and played their part in some entertaining end to end football, forcing a couple of freekicks on the edge of the Davenham box. Danno Wallwork marshalled his defensive line well and Davenham survived all threats from the deadball. Sensing further goals the fullbacks, Wadsworth and Greenword (or are they now called wingbacks?) pushed forward and it was a just reward as the popular Greenwood bagged his first of the season great work, Louie, your dedication and improved all round play has been noticed by all the coaches).

And so the game finished 4:0, but both teams should take a lot from the game in terms of a well fought yet sporting  and exciting match, cheered on by both touchlines. Good luck to the Barnton U14s for the rest of the season both games have been an absolute pleasure to coach and manage. So despite setting up the Davenham team as a social team, the home side do now find themselves top of the league, having won 12 out of 12 league games. 

It was difficult to choose an out and out man of the match;  However Hill and Heaword shared the accolade and just as the manager was due to complete his very serious post match de brief, a very refreshing bottle of water was tipped on his headone of the players obviously had too many Jaffa Cakes at half time!!!!! (An internal Watergate enquiry, is ongoing,)