Barton Town Season Review 2018/19

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Foreword

T

he 2018/19 season was one of great promise for Barton Town Football Club. The Swans were aiming for the top six after an incredible turnaround in fortunes in 2017/18.

A 14 game unbeaten run steered us clear from relegation danger and meant we would spend another season in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

We signed some amazing players, the likes of Joel Sutton, Tom Bennett and Matt Plummer. We welcomed a new assistant in James Bennett, and said goodbye to Gary Allanson. Things were taking shape for the club, and we were in a very strong position come the opening day of the season.

While we finished the season in 11th, we certainly saw a lot of progress from the Swans, both on and off the pitch.

Plans were approved for a new entrance to the Easy Buy Stadium, one which should hopefully make the ground more accessible and noticeable for both away fans and potential new supporters.

Our group of volunteers and committee members put in another fantastic shift in what are long and bruising campaigns.

On the pitch, under Dave Ricardo, the team have developed a brand of football which is both attractive to watch, and can be effective. We picked up two points against the league champions Worksop Town. We beat runners up Penistone Church 2-1 at the Easy Buy and were undefeated against them.

President: Denis Cox Vice President: Paul Vickers Chairman: Mark Gregory Vice Chairman: Kim Mumford Secretary: Peter Mitchell Treasurer: Margaret Money Match Day Manager: Sean Money Media Manager: Aaron Irwin Programme Editor: Trevor Richens Club Ambassador: Aaron Walton Venue Manager: Sophia Walsh Welfare Officer: Lynn Green

1st Team Manager: Dave Ricardo

We made it to the second round proper of the FA Vase, only losing to a Shildon side who were favourites to win the competition outright at one point.

1st Team Assistant: James Bennett

We welcomed Liam Graham and his Reserves side to the club, and they go and secure promotion in their first season as our Reserves.

A monumental effort from the team.

Reserve Manager: Liam Graham

Our Veterans, led by Martin Cox were Division Two Cup winners after beating Driffield Evening Institute 5-1. They also secured a top four finish in an ever competitive Hull and District Veterans League.

This season hasn’t quite seen us hit our target of top six, but it’s done something a lot more important than that. It has restored a feel good factor to the club.

1st Team Coach: Ian Durnian

Veterans Manager: Martin Cox

Stadium: The Easy Buy Stadium Address: Marsh Lane, Barton Upon Humber, DN18 5JD League: Northern Counties East League Premier Division

The Easy Buy is a good place to be, and this review shows the highlights, lowlights, and the stories of the season.

Playing Colours: Sky Blue & White

With work beginning on the 2019/20 season, what can we expect from Barton Town FC?

Record Finish: 2nd, NCEL Premier Division, 2013/14.

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The 2017/18 Season Recap Last season was a campaign of upheaval and change at Barton Town FC. There was a change of management, a change of players, and also an incredible unbeaten run after looking certain for relegation.

The Swans went in to the 2017-18 season with Dave Botham at the helm, having swapped roles with Paul Foot. A full drama free pre-season, lessons learned from last season and an influx of new players, including a host of promising youngsters from the successful under-19's squad meant Barton had renewed optimism ahead of the start of the season.

Despite Botham's tireless work however, that optimism soon faded as a grim reality kicked in. Off the field success, largely on the back of unstinting efforts by Mark Gregory and his team was regrettably not reflected where it matters most. With the first team languishing in the relegation zone, the lowest point came after an ignominious exit in the FA Vase, resulting in Botham and Foot leaving the club immediately after that game. The club wasted no time in finding replacements, bringing in the highly regarded Dave Ricardo, who had just guided Hall Road Rangers to the Division One title. He brought in respected former Bridlington Town boss Gary Allanson as his assistant.

Their brief was simple enough, avoid a 'groundhog day' repeat of the previous season's travails and re-establish the club as a driving force to be reckoned with at this level. By the end of January the club were sat in 20th place, with only five wins and a draw from 27 games. The winter months saw the match schedule wrecked by the worst weather the area had suffered for many years, and this extended well into the early months of 2018. However after the enforced break, the team came back revitalised and put together a winning run of 14 games, in which they only conceded seven goals. They also only dropped eight points from a possible 42. The Swans rose up the table in no time. The away win at Worksop Town on 21st April 2018 saw the club celebrate the success of club 'legend' Gaz Barlow, who scored his 300th goal for the club. A remarkable achievement at any level of football.

This period of success saw the club finish 12th in the league. An incredible turnaround considering their position at Christmas.

Gary Allanson stepped down at the end of the season and Ricardo brought in ex-Hull City and Darlington player James Bennett to be his new number two. The mission statement this season is to aim for the top six of the NCEL Premier Division table.

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Barlow Reaches 300 For Barton Not many players can say they have contributed such a huge amount to a club, in the way of goals and important performances. Gareth Barlow however, is someone who can. Truly a great achievement for anyone, 300 goals for a single club shows that loyalty and hard work can pay off. Gareth is a player who takes advantage of his physicality, along with great composure and a knack for scoring a set piece too.

These abilities combined have contributed to such a great record at the club.

Here's the thoughts of Ex Manager Dave Anderson: "Gaz Barlow's achievement to score 300 goals is an achievement in its self but to score them for one Club is unbelievable and he needs the full recognition and more for what he has done for Barton Town over the years. He is far and away the best non league striker around for goal poaching and he just has that natural instinct to be around to put the ball in the back of the net which is something you can’t coach. He has been so loyal to the club through the years and in particular in the more recent years when players move for £5 more. During my reign, every manager I spoke too wanted a Gaz Barlow and a few tried but failed and managers often tried to stop him during the game but failed too.

His achievement is even more outstanding is the fact he doesn’t take penalties (as I found out to my cost at a League Cup game at Tadcaster!).

Over my reign, one game stood out for me was a game at Pontefract Colliers when we were in Division One. It was a red hot day and we had used all our subs and Gaz pulled up with a hamstring injury at 0-0 with 10 mins to go. We couldn’t get Gaz off and he won us the game on one leg by heading in a late winner which he couldn’t even celebrate due to his injury. Gaz is a credit to himself both on and off the pitch, a top guy who it was an honour to manage. I am sure he has not finished yet with more goals to come. Not bad for someone who has always been told he is a centre-half not a centre forward! I will raise a glass to Gaz Barlow!

Chairman Mark Gregory's thoughts: "I have not known Gareth long but when I joined the club people used to talk about Gareth Barlow on what a good player he was and the

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goals he scored for the club. I first saw Gareth play when we went to Bottlesford Town for an away match and thought to myself when I was watching him - we need him back - as we was lacking in strength and leadership at the time. So when he joined us again this season for me it has been the most important one, Gareth is not the quickest now but his leadership and communication has been excellent and the younger players look up to him and listen you can see this on the pitch. He has been a big part of our excellent defence in the second half of the season he is so calm on the ball and 99% of the time does the right pass from out of defence or when he plays up front. He has also chipped in with a few important goals this season which has seen him hit the 300 mark for the club, which is a exceptional achievement one he should be very proud of, as the club is very proud of him and we all thank Gareth for his commitment to Barton Town FC. Long may it continue."

Preparing For The Season Ahead The Swans had six friendlies to look forward to ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Barton Town 2-3 Scunthorpe United XI - Wednesday July 4 2018 It was the visitors who struck first though after six minutes when a wayward pass from our ‘keeper led to a nice shot from just outside the area, which bounced in off the post to give Scunthorpe an early lead. Barton grew in to the game however, and showed flashes of the kind of football we could expect from them this season. Their best chance of the half came when a shot from outside the box was parried by Riches into the path of new signing Danny Chambers, but the defender was quicker to the ball and hurried it out for a corner.

If the first half was Scunthorpe’s, the second half was Barton’s, the Swans grew into the game and really started taking it to the opposition. The Swans were rewarded for their pressure with 20 minutes to go thanks to a header from Tom Horner at a corner. This gave Barton belief that the Swans could take this win, and despite it only being a friendly, Barton were giving it their all. However two goals in two minutes for Scunthorpe put an end to Barton’s spell of dominance.

A free kick on the edge of the area went up and over the wall and past Nathan Popple in the Barton goal to give them the lead. Then when Popple played out a pass to a Scunthorpe attacker, they wasted no time in curling the ball into an empty net to make the score 3-1.

Gareth Barlow pulled one back for the Swans with a nicely taken finish at the near post to make the score more respectable, which Barton deserved having arguably been the better side second half.

Tadcaster Albion 1-2 Barton Town - Saturday July 14 2018 Donald Chimalilo, Matty Savage and Owen Marshall had all been key figures in Taddy’s U21’s side for the past couple of years, all having featured in the first-team too but on this occasion they turned out for Barton Town.

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A brilliant piece of high-pressure from Jack Walters saw the left wing-back win possession on the edge of Barton’s box which led to Adam Baker blazing over from eight yards out. However it was 1-0 to Tadcaster on 10 minutes when Ellis Barkworth’s deep cross was thumped into the far corner by Jack Walters, a stunning volley on his weaker right-foot to open his account for Albion.

The Swans were making a very good account of themselves as they continued to cause Taddy problems. .

The side from across the Humber Bridge equalised at the beginning of the second half courtesy of a screamer from 25 yards from Alex Knaggs. Barton were in the ascendency for the majority of the second half and the fresher legs prevailed in the end as a goal in the last minute from Tom Waudby saw the Brewers narrowly edged out at Haxby Road.

Barton Town 3-0 East Yorkshire Carnegie - Saturday July 21 2018 The Swans were looking to continue their impressive pre-season following a win over Tadcaster, with a near full strength side being available to boss Dave Ricardo.

It didn’t take long for the first piece of action, as five minutes in Joel Sutton found space on the right side of the box, and his turn and shot was saved by the Carnegie goalkeeper. The Swans were on top for most of the game, with Nathan Popple rarely threatened throughout the game.

It was a case of ‘when not if’ for Barton as they were peppering the EYC goal with attack after attack. They even managed to hit the woodwork with a header from a corner, the ball bouncing off the crossbar. Train had another chance with 15 minutes to go from a free kick, but the ball went just over.

The Swans were given the opportunity to finally take the lead as with just eight minutes left on the clock they were awarded a penalty for a challenge on Josh Tennant. Tom Waudby stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home.Barton soon found their goalscoring form, with just two minutes left to play Chimalilo got his reward for a quality performance with a cracking shot from around 20 yards out, unleashing a rocket of a shot into the top corner.

Just seconds later Tennant had his name on the scoresheet as he was played in one on one, with his shot being saved by the keeper, but the ball found its way into the back of the net anyway, sealing a 3-0 win for the Swans as they pressured and showed composure on the ball in a strong performance.

Barton Town 4-3 Grimsby Town XI - Monday July 23 2018 The Swans secured another pre-season win in a closely fought game with a youthful Grimsby side. Five goals were shared in the first half with Will Waudby scoring after two minutes. Akheem Rose then scored two minutes later to level the scoring.

Joel Sutton gave the Swans the lead after 10 minutes before being pegged back again with Brandon Buckley’s goal for Grimsby. Tom Waudby scored midway through the first half to make the score 3-2 at half time to the Swans. Rose got his second of the game on 49 minutes to make it 3-3. After a frenetic second half, Will Waudby scored on 81 minutes to give the Swans the win in another impressive display against a strong Grimsby side.

Barton Town 2-3 Cleethorpes Town - Saturday July 28 2018 The Swans welcomed former NCEL champions Cleethorpes to the Easy Buy Stadium in another closely fought game.

Josh Batty gave Cleethorpes the lead after 14 minutes with a well taken finish. A few minutes later Danny Chambers slotted the ball home to equalize for the Swans. It was all level at the break. Andrew Taylor gave Cleethorpes the lead after finding himself one on one with Swans ‘keeper Tom Collins. He slotted it home before Brody Robertson made sure of the win on 73 minutes as he scored to make it 3-1. Will Waudby managed to grab a consolation for the Swans.

Barton Town vs North Ferriby United - Tuesday July 31 2018 The Swans welcomed North Ferriby United to the Easy Buy in our final pre-season game before the NCEL campaign got underway. On the 24th minute Swans striker Joel Sutton went in for a tackle and suffered a horrible leg break.

Prompting the game to be abandoned by the referee as the wait for the ambulance to take Joel to hospital began.

Sutton was eventually taken to hospital but all involved decided not to continue with the game.

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STAVELEY

1

CLIPSTONE

0

1

SWANS

0

(Baskerville, 27)

SWANS (Goddard, 83)

NCEL Premier Division

Jamie Goddard rescued a point for the Swans as they opened their NCEL campaign away at Staveley Miners Welfare.

The Swans started the game on top, and it only took eight minutes for them to have their first real chance.

After being played in, Tom Bennett managed to get a shot on goal and it beat the ‘keeper but it couldn’t beat the post. It rebounded off the woodwork and out for a goal kick, but it showed the Swans were looking dangerous. Barton were largely on top, with the visitors enjoying most of the possession and were playing well, but it was the hosts who took the lead after 25 minutes. A ball was played over the top and Adam Baskerville managed to get to it before the rushing Nathan Popple. He lobbed the Swans ‘keeper and gave Staveley the lead, arguably against the run of play. This goal gave Staveley the momentum and they seized control of the game. But Barton were still alive, and had another chance just eight minutes from the break. Danny Chambers was played in and his shot was saved and cleared off the line by a Staveley defender. The Swans were behind at the break but could have easily been ahead if they had put away their chances.

The second half got off to a good start for the Swans, with some tasty tackles going in, and the Swans putting on the early pressure. The game was very end to end throughout and Staveley were given a golden chance to double their lead. Popple brought down a Staveley attacker in the penalty area and the referee didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot. The young ‘keeper redeemed himself though with a fantastic save diving to his left to deny a second Staveley goal. Barton were fighting for the equaliser, and they finally got it when the ball was played across the box with Jamie Goddard on hard to tap it in, and it wasn’t undeserved. The Swans had their spells of pressure and the chances kept coming. However nether side could find the winner and had to settle for a share of the points.

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FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

The Swans were held to a 0-0 draw with former NCEL side Clipstone in the FA Cup. The fixture began with an okay start for Barton. The Swans started to link up well when they had the ball on the ground, asserting their possession dominance in the 20th minute onwards. A goal felt imminent as Barton started cranking up the pressure and attacks, as Donald Chimalilo blazed a shot over the bar from a corner chance in the 28th minute. Clipstone were defending with bodies on the line, compact and tight in their half, frustrating the Swans players. There was a hint of purposeful delays thrown in there, to help break the good periods of Barton pressure, for good measure. Clipstone had a good game plan and so far it was working. Barton needed to improve in the second 45 minutes.

As the next 45 arrived, it was back to business for Clipstone and Barton as they continued where they left off. Tom Bennett went into the book following a hard aerial challenge. The Cobras then had a fantastic chance through the right winger, who on the edge of the box fell victim to a bobble, curling it high and wide with power.

Barton came close again through Donald Chimalilo, as he found space on the edge of the box from a good run, curling a hit with his left foot but hitting it over in the 65th minute. Barton were pushing on for a first goal linking up passes well, but just not finding the space or end product.

It was in the 91st minute where the best chance of the entire game came, as Chimalilo made his way into the box beating his defender from the right side, with a squared ball to Bennett, who hit it towards the middle of the goal, forcing a very good save from the Clippo Keeper. It just wasn't turning out to be Barton's day, and as the final whistle blew, the wind was out of both team's sails - Barton deflated from not scoring, and Clipstone exhausted with some players lying on the ground after working very, very hard.

SWANS

3

(W. Waudby, 2, Barlow, 34, Chimalilo, 36)

CLIPSTONE

4

(Gregory, 40, Carter, 63, 76, Munson, 82)

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Rd Replay

Barton started very well. The perfect start would be a goal for Barton, and that's exactly what they had. Will Waudby got on the end of a Donald Chimalilo cross in the 2nd minute and Barton took the initiative straight away! In the 34th minute it was Barton's turn to score again, as some sharp reactions from Gareth Barlow ,who side footed it into the goal, made it 2-0. This momentum was followed up sharply by Chimalilo who combined with Tom Bennett in the 36th minute to get past his player and catch the keeper unaware with a drilled shot low into the opposite side of the net. At this point Barton were looking unstoppable, they needed to focus on not conceding to let the Cobras back into the game.

Unfortunately, they did exactly that in the 40th minute, as a scrappy chance led to a goal for the visitors, to drag the deficit to only 2 goals behind. The whistle blew shortly after, signalling the end of the half at 3-1.

The Swans were first out followed by Clipstone who looked revitalised by their goal near half time. The teams kicked off and play picked up where it left off. The 63rd minute brought a horrible moment for The Swans. A pass back to the Barton Goalkeeper took a bobble and it was miskicked straight into the path of the oncoming striker - seeing Mark Carter get a simple goal from an easy chance. In the 76th, Clipstone capitalised on yet another error from the defence and goalkeeper, as the keeper took a few steps to come for a ball played high towards the Barton box from the halfway line.

This was hurriedly headed across the edge of the box instead of being claimed, in which it predictably fell to Clipstone player Mark Carter, who lobbed in for his brace. This ensued a pitch invasion from the bench to celebrate, and the Barton fans and player were deflated. The 82nd minute brought the killing blow from the Cobras. A free kick on the half way line was played direct to the penalty spot, in which James Munson got himself a free header in between 2 Swans defenders which was scrambled into the net. Scenes erupted with furious fans shouting as the bench once again stormed the pitch to the delight of the travelling fans and management team. Clipstone were fighting tooth and nail to now keep their lead, gifted by some simple mistakes. The continued as Barton gained 9

corners and free kicks in the pursuit of a goal, but their efforts began to disappear as the minutes ticked on. They couldn't get the equaliser they needed, and this put them to the sword.

The final whistle blew with an unbelievable comeback completed by Clippo. 4-3 the game finished, as the players and management leaped on each other rightly in celebration.

Barton crushed under the pressure of the fixture as the goals creeped in, and this helped the visitors steal the win away. A disappointing and sour feeling took over the Easy Buy Stadium and the end of the game was tense, but as the Barton players came off the pitch they were still clapped off for their efforts by the fans. It wasn't to be for Barton in a game where they were comfortable in the first half, but they will have learnt a harsh lesson from this, and will need to bounce back quickly to start continue their domestic season right.

“The lowest point of the season must be the FA Cup exit. I have never ever been so disappointed in anything that I’ve done in my life I don’t think! On that particular day, being 3-0 up at home and losing the game 4-3, and it was an FA Cup game as well. It’s probably the worst result since I’ve been here to be honest. It was gut wrenching it really was. Because we all know how good a cup run is for a club. The FA Vase run was good financially, and good for the club. If we had that in the FA Cup, it would be even better. That was probably the lowest of the low.

”

(Mark Gregory, Chairman)

THACKLEY

0

PENISTONE

1

(Cadzow, 73)

SWANS

0

SWANS

1

(Knaggs, 90)

NCEL Premier Division

The Swans, fresh from their FA Cup heartache, travelled to Thackley.

The match started at a decent pace with both teams getting even possession. The first standout chance came for Barton in the 12th minute through Danny Chambers who chested down a long ball from Tom Waudby, taking a shot on the edge of the box but just putting it wide.

Thackley had a great chance 3 minutes later too with a strike that was on an awkward angle - putting it just over the bar. Chambers once again proved dangerous in the 18th as he cut inside after a good run in behind the defence, striking a ball on target but at the defender going out for a corner. The best chance of the half came through Chambers again in the 23rd minute as he got on the end of a Donald Chimalilo cross with a diving header from 6 yards out - for it to be saved athletically by the Thackley Goalkeeper. A corner in the 31st minute from Will Waudby met the head of Owen Marshall who headed it just over the bar, a great chance squandered. Not much in the way of chances came after this, as both teams battled to control possession, but Barton were just edging the upper hand. The half time whistle blew and this signalled the finish of the half. Barton were pushing well for the goal but lacked the needed cutting-edge for the goal, coupled with the Thackley keeper in good form.

The Second Half continued like the teams had never gone in for the break, as Barton looked slightly stronger in possession. A chance from nowhere came in the 55th minute as Donal Chimalilo ran for a ball directed towards the Thackley goalie, as Donald and the defender fought for the ball - with Chimalilo nipping past the defender but slicing it wide under pressure. Straight back up the other end in the 56th minute, one of the Thackley strikers managed to nod a header over the Swans goalkeeper Tom Collins - bouncing onto the line where Right Back Charlie Shelley came to the rescue to clear it out. 5 minutes later Collins was called upon with an important save from a close range strike to deny the first goal of the match. The first goal came in the 78th minute for Barton - in which Danny Chambers tapped it in from close range - but the goal was disallowed. Donald Chimalilo in the buildup took a player on and was brought down, but continued and crossed the ball a split second after being fouled again - causing the referee to blow up for the second offence, not letting play continue for the goal to then be scored. Nicky McNamara took a yellow for stopping a counterattack in the 81st minute, following a dangerous run from the left winger cutting in field. Barton came incredibly close again with a goal line clearance from a header as The Swans cranked up the pressure in the 88th minute. Another golden chance came for Barton in the 90th minute as Will Waudby was 1-on-1 with the Thackley keeper, but under big pressure from 2 defenders he could only strike it at the keeper where it was followed up with a clearance. The final minutes struggled away for Barton as they couldn't get the ball over the line, and it ended up as a final scoreline at 0-0. It was a difficult result to handle for a Swans team who looked like they were good for the 3 points.

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NCEL Premier Division

On a drizzly summers evening at the DSM Memorial Ground, the Swans were heading into the tie having drawn their opening two games of the NCEL Premier Division season.

Barton started the game off the stronger, and after a cagey opening 15 minutes were starting to play some good football along the ground. On 21 minutes the Swans had their first real chance.

A ball was crossed in from the left by Will Waudby, with brother Tom getting on the end of it, however his well timed free header went just over the bar.

Just three minutes later the Swans had another fantastic effort. A free kick was swung in from the right by Will Waudby again, with Chambers the man to head it.

His flicked on effort went just wide of the post, and meant the score remained 0-0. Then at the other end of the field on 34 minutes, goalkeeper Tom Collins pulled off a masterful save wise beyond his years as a header was saved at point blank range by the young keeper, keeping Barton in the game.

Penistone grew into the game in the second half, and almost had the goal to show for it when a well taken header rattled against the bar and was cleared away.

The Barton goal lived a charmed life at times as Penistone pressured and pressured, having seized the momentum at half time. Collins kept the Swans in the game with a string of masterful saves but 15 minutes from the end the home side took the lead.

The ball was pinging around the area and fell to Thomas Cadzow, who tapped his shot home to give Penistone an arguably deserved lead. This gave Barton the wake up call they needed, and they rallied.

They piled the pressure on Penistone and showed some real creativity from the likes of Will Waudby, Chambers and second half substitute Donald Chimalilo.

With just seconds on the clock a corner was swung in by Will Waudby, again the architect as Alex Knaggsmanaged to squeeze the ball over the line before it was cleared, with the linesman giving the goal, and Barton an equalizer which, following their first half pressure, was justified.

It ended 1-1 and a share of the spoils, both sides enjoyed their periods of domination and a draw was probably the right result.

SWANS

3

SWANS

(Chambers, 13, T. Waudby PEN, 52, Tennant, 89)

(Bennett, 38, W. Waudby, 42, Tennant, 81)

GOOLE

AFC L’POOL

1

(Smith, 16)

3 1

(McNamara OG’, 85)

NCEL Premier Division

FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round

The Swans started out on top and after 9 minutes they could have taken the lead.

The Swans had a chance to redeem themselves for their FA Cup debacle with a good showing in the FA Vase. They welcomed AFC Liverpool to the Easy Buy.

Will Waudby swung in a corner and Owen Marshall rose highest to get his head to it, but it went just over the bar. It was a sign of things to come for Barton though as just four minutes later they took the lead.

Nicky McNamara played through a ball to Chambers, who ran into space and slotted the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner to give Barton a deserved lead.

Their lead would last just three minutes though as Goole equalised through Oliver Smith. His shot was a nice effort in the area after some scrappy play.

It gave Goole a route back into the game which Barton had largely dominated. On 35 minutes Tom Bennett had an amazing chance to put the Swans 2-1 up, but his shot slid agonisingly wide.

The teams went in level at 1-1 but Barton had much better possession and pressure.

The Swans started the second half as they ended the first, in control of the ball.

On 52 minutes Chambers was brought down in the area and the referee awarded a penalty.

Tom Waudby stepped up and slotted it home to restore Barton’s lead.

This seemed to give Goole the incentive to try and force a way back into the game.

The visitors started to pressure Barton as the Swans soaked it up. They were awarded a free kick with just over 10 minutes to go.

The free kick rattled the woodwork and saved Barton. The game was put to bed by Josh Tennant, whose goal was worth the entrance fee alone.

The substitute received the ball 25-30 yards out and unleashed a curling effort which any ‘keeper would struggle to save.

This put the game beyond doubt as Barton secured their first win of the season in some style.

Barton flew out of the blocks and won a penalty almost instantly. Danny Chambers was brought down in the area and awarded a spot kick just two minutes in. He dusted himself down to take the penalty but the keeper did well to save it and deny the Swans an early lead.

15 minutes in Barton had another golden chance to take the lead. A cross was whipped in and Tom Bennett rose to meet it. His free header went just over the bar but it was an early indication of how strong the Swans were looking. Tom Collins put on yet another strong display as he pulled off a fantastic save 34 minutes in to deny Liverpool the lead.

But five minutes later the Swans took the lead as Matt Plummer played the ball into the path of Bennett, who prodded the ball past the keeper to give Barton the lead. Barton doubled their lead just three minutes later as a nice turn from Donald Chimalilo set up Will Waudby, who took a touch and fired the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out. This gave Barton a comfortable lead at the break.

The second half saw Liverpool grow a little into the game, but it was largely Barton who dominated the play. There were countless runs made into the Liverpool box by Chimalilo, who put in a man of the match display with his mazing runs and bursts of energy against a tiring Liverpool defence. With 82 minutes on the clock Barton made sure of their passage through to the next round with a well worked goal.

The Swans won a free kick on the edge of the area and Will Waudby took it. He stepped up and his shot was saved and parried by the Liverpool ‘keeper, but Josh Tennant was on hand to prod it home and give Barton an unassailable 3-0 lead. Liverpool pulled one back five minutes from the end thanks to a Nicky McNamara own goal, but it was Barton’s day in the sun.

"The performances so far this season have shown progression however there is a long way to go before we can say we are a finished article. The group of lads have in the main not played together previously so it will take a while before they develop the trust and awareness that comes from playing season in season out.

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“ (Dave Ricardo, Manager)

HEMSWORTH 0

SWANS

3

(T. Waudby PEN, 60, Barlow, 78, 90)

SWANS

1

HANDSW’RTH 1 (Williams, 48)

(Chambers, 47)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

Barton travelled to Hemsworth looking to win their third game in a row and continue their unbeaten start to the NCEL season. Hemsworth were top of the league having made a brilliant start to the season.

Dave Ricardo kept his 3-5-2 formation with Tom Collins in goal. The back three was unchanged with Owen Marshall, Alex Knaggs and Matt Plummer and there were two wingbacks in Jack Binns and Sam Belcher.

There was a midfield trio of Tom Bennett, Nicky McNamara and Tom Waudby with Will Waudby and Danny Chambers starting up front.

The conditions weren’t ideal and it rained heavily throughout the first half. Making playing free flowing football more of a challenge for the Swans, in a game which had few chances from either side.

The Swans stuck to their 3-5-2 formation, with Nathan Popple in goal replacing Tom Collins, who picked up an injury in training. Jack Binns and Charlie Shelley played as wing backs with the back three of Alex Knaggs, Owen Marshall and Matt Plummer. Tom Bennett, Nicky McNamara and Matty Savage played in midfield with Donald Chimalilo and Danny Chambers up front.

Chances in the first half were few and far between due to the poor weather conditions. It was a very even half with both sides enjoying spells of possession. The defences were the main talking point for both sides as Barton and Hemsworth cancelled each other out.

The second half was where the game came alive. Two minutes into the second half a ball is played over the top which the ‘keeper looked to have caught in a routine save.

However due to the slippery conditions the ball slipped out of his hands and Danny Chambers was there to capitalise and slotted the ball into an empty net. Hemsworth almost equalised five minutes later as Nathan Popple pulled off a stunning double save to deny the hosts.

The first save was routine, but the second was at point blank range and he showed incredible reflexes to keep the ball out and put it out for the corner.

The goal was one of the only chances in the game as while Hemsworth were showing an attacking threat, with some great balls in to the area, the Swans defence were equal to it and cancelled out everything Hemsworth were throwing at Barton.

Chambers could have had a second but his shot went just over the bar. It was a nervy final ten minutes as Hemsworth came alive and hit the post from a free kick. It was a wake up call for the Swans, but Barton held firm and secured not only an away win, but a great clean sheet too.

The result saw Barton climb to fifth, with two wins and three draws from their opening five games.

The first half was a timid affair, neither side were too willing to give anything away, with Barton having the second best defence in the league, the Swans were keeping Handsworth out. Barton were forced into an early substitution though as Nicky McNamara had to leave the field as he suffered a concussion following a clash of heads. Matt Savage replaced the stricken captain with Matt Plummer taking on the armband. Barton had the best chances of the half when Danny Chambers took a nice right footed shot but it rebounded off the post. Then four minutes before half time a corner was swung in and a header met it but it went agonisingly wide of the post to keep the scores level at half time.

The second half, as with most Barton games this season, is where the game came alive. Just three minutes into the second half, Jonathan Williams ran into space before slotting the ball past Collins and into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead. They came out fighting in the second half and had an early reward for their efforts. Boss Dave Ricardo changed formation and tactics second half by changing to a 4-33 and bringing off Alex Knaggs for Donald Chimalilo.

The Swans won a penalty on the hour mark when Danny Chambers was brought down and the referee pointed to the spot. Tom Waudby stepped up and slotted home into the bottom corner. The Swans had the momentum now, and were well and truly on the front foot.

The final substitution was made with 15 minutes to go when Danny Chambers was brought off for Swans legend Gareth Barlow. Within five minutes he had given the Swans the lead. He ran in on goal and his shot was initially saved by the ‘keeper, but it hit his hand and looped over him and into the back of the net. Though the goal made things more nervy as Barton now had more to lose. Handsworth came out fighting, and the Swans were standing firm to deny them. Tom Waudby was running in on goal with just a few minutes left of the game and was cynically brought down by the last man, resulting in him being red carded. With 10 men Handsworth were stretched at the back, and it was clear to see when Donald Chimalilo made a run from the half way line to the area, and fed Barlow who tapped in for his second of the game and sealed the three points for the Swans.

The win took Barton to the top of the NCEL table on goal difference after six games, and was a well deserved reward for the performance of the team.

12

SWANS

4

SWANS

1

(T. Waudby, 10, Barlow, 47, Savage, 67, Chimalilo PEN, 73)

(Chimalilo, 90)

ASHTON

ATHERSLEY

0

2

(Moxon, 70, Wordsworth, 90)

FA Vase Second Qualifying Round

It was in the 2nd minute of the fixture which posed a rare perfect chance for Gareth Barlow as a defensive error put him through about 10 yards out. He struck the shot, but the Ashton keeper pulled off a magnificent reflex save to deny the Swans stalwart. A big chance squandered, but a flash of what was to come.

It immediately gave Barton confidence in the game. In the 9th minute, this was proven best, as some positive play earned a corner for The Swans. It was swung in, and scrambled in the box, where it found Tom Waudby who managed to tap it in to the delight of the team and fans.

On the half hour mark Donald Chimalilo received a yellow for a dive in the box - some contested penalty and some agreed with the referee. A few decent chances just before the break were wide or collected, and the Half Time whistle was blew to signal the end of the first 45.

It had been a great half for Barton as they stamped their dominance, but it was still nervy at times as Ashton were still dangerous. They needed a second goal and should have been at least 3 goals up, but it the scoreline stayed at 1-0.

The second half brought more action straight away, and it took merely 2 minutes after the break to get that goal they needed. Gareth Barlow got on the end of a ball squared across the box from Tom Waudby following a long ball over the top by Charlie Shelley, to tap it into the corner.

The game continued with some solid saves from the Ashton goalie and after a few substitutes, the 3rd goal was only going to be a matter of time for The Swans. What seemed like a nothing ball rolling out being protected by the defender was being hunted down by Jamie Goddard. It was tackled away inside the box next to the line for a goal kick, tripping the defender over and giving Goddard the possession on the 6 yard box, where he squared it to Matty Savage who obliged to pass the ball into the net.

Running riot now, Barton were cruising with chances coming thick and fast, but Ashton refused to give up. It was in vain however, as the game's best performer in Donald Chimalilo, stamped his authority on the fixture. A skilful cut back in the opposing area saw him tripped up by the defender, earning a penalty for the side.

He took it himself, and passed it coolly into the bottom right corner, giving his side a 4 goal lead. It was the icing on the cake for his performance, and he deserved it. A strong shot from Josh Tennant in the 80th minute was saved well by the goalkeeper to deny another goal, on top of a few more chances saved keeping the scoreline down. As the final whistle came around, it was applause all around for a fantastic display from a Barton side bang in form. Ashton matched Barton early, but didn't take their chances when most needed and eventually fell short to Barton's current lethal attack force.

13

NCEL Premier Division

A cloudy afternoon in Barton at the Easy Buy Stadium was the setting for the clash between The Swans and visitors Athersley Recreation. The Penguins came to Barton looking to correct their form in the league following a shaky start to the season. Barton were coming into the game 7 unbeaten, winning their last 5 fixtures confidently, knowing another good win would push them further towards the top of the league.

It started with Barton confidently possessing the ball for good periods and controlling the game. Tom Bennett for the Swans was very active in front of goal in an advanced position, as only 2 minutes in, he managed to get through the defence and shot across goal, but it was touched out for a corner. By 30 minutes in the fixture, Barton had used a whole bunch of chances but not put any in the net, as they were pinning the visitors in their half. Matty Plummer had a good chance in the 33rd minute with a curled effort that slightly went over, followed by an excellent piece of play in the 41st minute that saw 10+ passes between the Swans players, ending in Tom Bennett flicking the ball into the path of Plummer who curled another and missed again. This brought the end of the first half in which Athersley didn't register a shot on target, solidifying Barton's dominance in the fixture. Athersley, despite a small slice of luck, were defending very well, and were hardworking in their quest for at least a point at Barton.

The Second Half approached and the side was changed in formation to a 4-4-2 from the first half's 3-5-2 for Barton, with Donald Chimalilo coming on for Charlie Shelley. It took merely 4 minutes for Barton to go as close as they'd been all fixture, as a cross from Jack Binns connected with the head of Will Waudby who headed it off the crossbar and it was scrambled out of the area. Tom Waudby came on for Matty Savage in the 67th minute, and it was only 2 minutes later that the fixture saw the first goal. Only it wasn't going to be Barton - it was the visitors that took their first proper on-target shot. A counterattack was finished off by a low driven strike into the bottom right corner by Jamie Moxon, to the delight of the away fans. Barton had to pull their socks up now, and missing the earlier chances was very disappointing now the fixture had turned against them. A game-changing moment came in the 78th minute as Donald Chimalilo, who was having a positive effect on the fixture ran past 3 players, 2 fouling him in the process, got into the box and was looked to be brought down - only for the referee to give him a yellow card for simulation. It seemed not to be Barton's day and another reinforcement of this came in extra time as Tom Waudby had a free kick on the edge of the box. He struck it well and it once again came off the crossbar, the wayward strike deflected off Will Waudby who tried getting out of the way. The counterattack from this saw a ball squared across the Barton goal to Kyle Wordsworth who obliged in giving the visitors a 2 goal cushion. An answer swiftly through Donald Chimalilo saw him strike it into the bottom corner following a good run in the 93rd minute. Barton threw the fixture away with not being clinical with their chances early on in the fixture.

In The Reserves

W

hen Liam Graham joined the club as the Swans new Reserve Team Manager, the Reserves were plying their trade in the Humber Premier League Division One. There wasn’t much of a team, prompting Graham to bring over his team from former side Shape Changers FC.

crowds in excess of 60 were coming to watch the reserve team. There was a community which rallied around the plucky reserve outfit.

Game number one, and a hat-trick from Brendan O’Callaghan sealed a 6-1 win. A perfect start to Graham’s tenure. O’Callaghan would prove to be a talisman for the side, scoring 19 goals in a fruitful season for the 29 year old.

Over the next nine months, Graham showed his side were a force to be reckoned with as they put in More demolition jobs followed, a 6-0 win over some dominant displays to be promoted to the Goole United, 5-0 against Easington United, and an Humber Premier League Premier Division.

8-1 rout over Howden AFC. By virtue of champions Beverley Town Reserves The Swans started September with three more being unable to go up, Graham’s Swans outfit were wins, defeating Blackburn Athletic, North Cave and given the nod. However the club more than staked Driffield Evening Institute, seven wins from seven. their claim to be promoted.

34 goals scored, four goals conceded.

After only having three friendlies to prepare themselves, with two draws and a loss, Graham set his team up for the first game of the season, at home against Hessle Sporting United.

One belief that Graham brought with him, was a sense of community, and that was evident when 14

The first stern test of Graham’s men was at Queensgate, against Bridlington Town’s Reserve team. An established outfit at this level, Bridlington were clinical and took a 3-1 win, ending Barton’s 100% start to the season.

Graham gave no excuses for the loss: “Today we

just simply weren’t at the races, no excuses to turn up and perform like we did today but it has happened. We have to learn from the mistakes we made today and show the character I know we have in the dressing room and pick ourselves up.”

was a big part of the Swans strike force.

1-0 lead, O’Callaghan scored yet again to level the scores, however the visitors took the lead and secured the win with a second goal to win 2-1.

March saw the Swans lose their first three games, including a narrow 2-1 loss to Pocklington Town, one of the finer teams in the league that Graham’s men were aiming to reach.

The club rounded off the year with a 3-2 loss to Driffield Juniors, but were determined to put it right in 2019.

January was the perfect response, a perfect month.

A win in the cup over Hessle Rangers followed before a win over Brandesburton and the first draw Wins over North Cave, Blackburn Athletic, Easington United, and Driffield Evening Institute of the season against fellow promoted side boosted the Swans promotion hopes.

Driffield Juniors.

Another perfect month followed albeit only the Next up was a rematch with Bridlington Town Reserves, this time on home soil. After they took a one result, a 5-1 win over Hessle Sporting United.

“Hard result to take when the lads played so well and dominated most of the match, if we had took our chances as a team we would have won comfortably,” club captain Jon-Paul Broughton said after the game.

The club got back to winning ways defeating Hall Road Rangers Reserves and Brandesburton again before losing 5-3 to eventual champions Beverley Town Reserves.

A 5-0 win over Goole United rounded out the month and meant whatever the result, the Swans were likely to be promoted to the Premier Division.

The final game, the re-arranged Beverley Town Reserves fixture, ended in a 4-1 loss. However, results elsewhere went the way of the Swans and they secured promotion in their first season.

A monumental effort from not only Graham, but December was a tough month for the Reserves. A 3 his team. They showed hard work, determination, -2 win over Hall Road Reserves was followed by a and played some fantastic football to deservedly horrific injury to a star player. seal promotion.

December 22nd, the Swans were hosting league leaders Beverley Town Reserves in a top of the table clash. However the game was abandoned as Swans striker Ben Herrick suffered a leg break.

Having scored six goals in 11 appearances, Herrick

In his end of season interview, Graham said: “I thought the effort the group put in over a tough first season was magnificent. So to achieve something in our first season down at the club was special. Now we have to build on that achievement and strive to succeed more and more.

“We really have had some wonderful support and I really hope that continues into next season and word spreads and we see a few more new faces coming down to support the lads. The support definitely gives the lads an extra 10 percent knowing they have people in numbers watching them and willing them to do well.”

All eyes now turn to next season, can Liam Graham’s side consolidate themselves at a higher level?

15

SWANS

4

ALBION

(Plummer, 2, W. Waudby, 34, Marshall, 60, Barlow, 71)

(Keita PEN, 74)

YORKSHIRE

SWANS

3

(Tiani, 30, Shaw, 82, Flynn, 90)

NCEL Premier Division

Barton were playing a 3-5-2 formation, with Tom Collins in goal, and a back three of Owen Marshall, Matt Plummer and Sam Belcher. There was a midfield trio of Tom Waudby, Nicky McNamara and Tom Bennett, with Jack Binns and Charlie Shelleyplaying as wingbacks. Donald Chimalilo and Will Waudby were up front for the Swans.

It only took Barton three minutes to get on the scoresheet as Tom Waudby swung a free kick into the area and Matt Plummer was unmarked, as he nodded his free header into the back of the net for his first goal in a Swans shirt.

Barton were the stronger side initially but Yorkshire grew into the game and started to show just why they were second in the league. Midway through the first half they had a goal disallowed as the referee blew for a free kick, instead of allowing Yorkshire to play on.

This was a let off for Barton, and on the half hour mark Yorkshire were unlucky not to equalise as they had a series of shots cleared off the line.

However they got their equaliser when Brice Tiani slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Barton weren’t behind for long however, as the Swans won a free kick on the edge of the area.

Will Waudby stepped up and curled a low driven effort past the ‘keeper and into the back of the net.

Things turned nasty on the stroke of half time however as Harrison Blakey slid in on Will Waudby with a dangerous challenge. Players circled the pair as the referee didn’t hesitate to send the Yorkshire midfielder off. Tom Waudby also got booked for his part in the altercation.

After the break the plan for the Swans was simple, score another goal and try to put the game to bed. On 57 minutes they achieved this as Donald Chimalilomade a surging run from the centre circle, taking on players left and right before teeing up Owen Marshall, who slotted home with composure to give Barton a two goal lead.

It took substitute Gareth Barlow just four minutes after coming on to score. Chimalilo again the architect as he set up Barlow for his fifth goal of the season.

With eight minutes to go Adam Shaw headed home a well timed cross to give the Ammas some hope. NCEL Premier Division top scorer Ashley Flynn then got in on the act and drilled a shot home to make it 4-3 to Barton and cause the home side some tense final moments.

Barton however hung on and defended the onslaught from Yorkshire, and took the three points to bounce back after defeat to Athersley last time out.

1 2

(Aldrich, 48, Barlow, 86)

NCEL Premier Division

It was a cold afternoon in Farsley as the Swans were on the road to take on Albion Sports.

Tom Collins was in goal, with a back three of Alex Knaggs, Sam Belcher and Matt Plummer. Will Waudby and Charlie Shelley operated as wing backs with a midfield trio of Tom Waudby, Tom Bennett and Nicky McNamara. Up front were Donald Chimalilo and new signing Luke Aldrich, who joins the club on a dual registration basis from Cleethorpes Town.

Barton started the stronger side, and were enjoying a lot of possession in the opponent’s half. It took 16 minutes for the first big Swans chance. Will Waudby made a surging run into the area, only for his shot to trickle wide of the post.

Albion’s defence was resolute in the first half, standing firm to deny the Swans any real chances at goal. On 34 minutes Donald Chimalilo made a run and was brought down by the Albion defender for a free kick on the edge of the area. Brothers Tom and Will Waudby stood over it and it was the latter who took the shot.

He curled it just wide of the post, mere inches from going in and giving the Swans the lead. On the stroke of halftime, Donald Chimalilo took a shot from the edge of the area which looked to be curling into the top corner, only for it to go wide as the referee blew his whistle for half time.

After the restart it took just three minutes for Barton to finally break down Albion’s defence. New signing Luke Aldrich made some space and managed to get a shot off into the bottom corner of the net for a goal on his debut.

The Swans were chasing a second but they had plenty of pace up front.

Ombeni Ruhanduka was providing plenty of problems for our defensive trio, but they stood firm to deny the former Bridlington striker.

On 73 minutes the hosts were awarded a penalty after substitute Jamie Goddard was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. He tried protesting his innocence but the referee had made up his mind.

Alhassane Keita stepped up and slotted past Tom Collins to equalise for Albion.

With ten minutes remaining the Swans brought on Gareth Barlow. Two minutes later he is allowed a free header in the area which the keeper tips onto the bar, Barlow then follows it up with a shot which is somehow cleared off the line, denying the Swans veteran. In an almost repeat move four minutes later Barlow is given another chance to head the ball and he puts it in the back of the net to give Barton a 2-1 lead and score his sixth goal of the season.

The Swans took home the three points with a 2-1 win, they were largely untroubled but had to work hard for the win.

16

SWANS

8

BRID TOWN

5

(Barlow, 4, Marshall, 26, Plummer, 35, Bailey OG, 38, Bennett, 42, Aldrich, 47, 53, 90)

(McFayden, 3, Norfolk, 39, Adams, 43, Bannister, 86, Day, 90)

BRANDON

SWANS

0

1

(Aldrich, 55)

FA Vase First Round

A windy afternoon in Barton set the scene for an FA Vase First Round fixture between The Swans and visitors Brandon United, a Durham based side.

Barton started bright and they had the advantage of playing with the wind in their favour, a factor that caused damage early on in the game.

It was no other than the club's top goalscorer, with 6 in all competitions up to this point, Gareth Barlow, who got on the end of a cross from Matty Plummer to fire one in from 8 yards out and give Barton a quick lead after 4 minutes. The 26th saw Barton then extend their lead through a great finish from Captain Owen Marshall. A cross whipped in found an unmarked Marshall who sidefooted a volley straight in, to the delight of the team and supporters. The 35th then brought another goal to the fixture, as Barton continued their dismantling of the visiting team. Matty Plummer hit a strike in from 8 yards out after a corner was scrambled about in the Brandon box - giving Barton a 3 goal lead. The rout didn't stop there however, as in the 38th it was the Captain who played a huge part in a corner that was somehow salvaged from going out for a goal kick, headed back in to the box. Owen Marshall got a good header onto it. It however, deflected off Luke Bailey, hitting the underside of the bar and going in. Next up, in the 42nd minute, Tom Bennett got his name onto the scoresheet as he got on the end of a ball played in by Jack Binns - hitting a strong strike into the goal. Barton had already destroyed the confidence in a young visiting side - but granted they hadn't given up. A few half chances here and there for the visitors kept Barton on their toes, but the confidence in the Swans side was exhilarating to watch.

The Second Half brought more action almost instantaneously - as in the 47th minute it was recent signing Luke Aldrich's turn to get on the scoresheet. Matty Plummer played through Luke as he found a sweet strike into the bottom corner, giving him 2-in-2. 6 minutes later, he then decided to increase his goal tally with a smart finish to the near post as he ran across the box, outsmarting the keeper who was expecting the shot in the other side of the goal. 7 goals up, Barton then seemed to lull into automatic mode, as they began to release the foot off the gas and relax more. Donald Chimalilo, Ewan Train and Nicky McNamara were all brought on within 5 minutes of each other. It wasn't until the 90th when Aldrich got what he deserved. Another bottom corner was the icing on the cake as Barton played 20+ passes in the buildup to Aldrich and Jamie Goddard combining in the penalty area to get the 8th for the team. As the seconds ticked on, the ref wasted no time blowing the whistle to finish the game, as Barton truly put the visitors to the sword.

Barton outclassed Brandon in a fixture that really made a statement in the FA Vase, but credit has to be given to the visitors who worked very hard in trying to match the home side, but fell short in this. 90% of Barton's team towered over Brandon, adding that edge of physicality to the match for The Swans. The wind ultimately played a huge part in sealing the first few goals for Barton and they ended up walking into the next round of the FA Vase with an 8-0 win.

17

NCEL Premier Division

A sunny afternoon in Bridlington was the setting for a clash between two rivals in the NCEL Premier Division. Both teams were sat in the top 8 of the table, with a big 3 points at stake to push either team up further.

It was a quick start for the home side, who came out the blocks to match Barton. A corner was whipped into the box in the 3rd minute, which somehow found it's way into the top corner through Joe Mcfadyen with a few bodies going down on the goal line - the goal still stood though.

Barton looked shaky, with usually regular passes and composed play being wasteful and cheap in handing over possession. The second game changing moment aside from the first goal, was the surprise red card for Will Waudby for Barton. A seemingly normal 50/50 sliding challenge from 2 players - saw the referee blow his whistle for a foul, and moments later take a red card out. This sparked surprise from a lot of the side-line and an anger from the away fans.

Andy Norfolk in the 39th minute picked up the ball in the midfield, drove at the defence and from 25 yards struck the ball cleanly, into the bottom corner of the net. 4 mins later then saw another Seasiders goal through Chris Adams, as he put a shot past Tom Collins in the Barton net. Tom Bennett received a yellow in the buildup to that goal, following a dive.

Barton had less clear cut chances than the home side, but the importance of finishing those chances when they arrive was highlighted hugely.

The Second Half brought more action as the fixture picked up from where it left off. Barton didn't look too out of place with a man down, and went with 2 up top to try get a goal back. Donald Chimalilo was causing problems in the box, and earnt The Swans a penalty in the 52th minute.

Ex-Brid player Tom Waudby stepped up, took a fierce strike at the ball, and it was going top corner - until a keeper's hand prevented it going in.

It was an excellent save that was celebrated by the goalkeeper as a devastated Waudby looked on.

The 58th minute did bring a goal back for Barton through, as great solo play from Donald Chimalilo found his way into the box, squaring a ball across to Luke Aldrich who tapped it in. The game continued on but as the away side got more desperate for a goal, the counter attacks for Brid began. Alex Bannister netted in the 86th followed by Jake Day in the 90th, and the fixture came to it's end following Barlow hitting the post for Barton in the last minute of the game. It was an end to a nightmare for Barton who had a very bad day at the office, despite dominating possession and creating some good chances. Bridlington were clinical and it was definitely their day, walking away from their stadium with all 3 points.

ECCLESHILL

0

SWANS

0

SWANS

1

SHILDON

2

(Plummer, 90)

(Trotter, 37, Robson, 58)

NCEL Premier Division

FA Vase Second Round

It was a cold and brisk Saturday afternoon in Bradford as Barton Town travelled to the Mitton Group Stadium to take on newly promoted Eccleshill United.

The Swans took on 3rd favourites to win the FA Vase in Shildon AFC at the Easy Buy Stadium. A cold afternoon in Barton saw two teams looking to progress into the next round of the FA Vase.

Tom Collins was in goal for the Swans, with a 3-5-2 formation being employed by boss Dave Ricardo. Alex Knaggs, Owen Marshall and Matt Plummer were in central defence with Jack Binns and Charlie Shelley operating as wing backs. It was a midfield three of Tom Bennett, Matty Savage and Nicky McNamara with Donald Chimalilo and Luke Aldrich up front. The returning Danny Chambers was on the bench for the Swans.

It was clear from the frantic pace at the start that this would be a difficult match for both teams. Shildon had the first shot of the match with an effort volleyed over the bar in the 4th minute.

It took just seven minutes for the first chance of the game, and it fell to the hosts. Luke Harrop took a shot which cannoned off the post and fell back to him, but the Eccleshill striker put the rebound wide.

Eccleshill were on top in the first half, and almost took the lead on 24 minutes. After a shot is saved by Collins, he manages to react quickest and deny the rebound, tipping it over the bar in a masterful save. On 38 minutes Collins was called into action again as he saved another effort before the ball was cleared off the line to save the Swans again.

It took 41 minutes for the Swans to have their first real effort on goal. Donald Chimalilo took the ball on a mazing run, taking it past the defender with ease, before curling an effort just over the bar. Half time came around and the Swans were lucky to not be behind, but Barton came out for the second half a much stronger side.

Just moments after the restart Luke Aldrich was in on goal, but his attempted lob over the keeper was saved and pushed away. Aldrich then had another effort on 53 minutes but his shot went just wide of the goal. The Swans were really starting to show some attacking prowess.

Just three minutes later Donald Chimalilo tried another curling effort, this time it went just wide. With just 15 minutes left on the clock it was looking like either side could steal the win. On 77 minutes Eccleshill went close again with a good run from the midfield only for the shot to go high and wide of the goal.

On 79 minutes substitute Gareth Barlow almost gave Barton the lead as his flicked on header from a corner went the wrong side of the post.

Once again man of the match Tom Collins was forced into a stunning save. A foul was conceded on the edge of the box, the Eccleshill attacker dipped his effort over the wall and was destined for the top corner, only for Collins to palm it away for a corner. With the game looking like a stalemate, with a couple of minutes left, Matt Plummer ran from midfield, and tried a pass which was intercepted. The Eccleshill defender then accidentally passed it back to Plummer, who after some interplay with Jamie Goddard, struck a low effort into the bottom corner to seal a last gasp win for the Swans.

18

The 16th minute saw Barton's first chance after a mazey run from Donald Chimalilo, as tricky footwork made the defender fall over, but Chimalilo subsequently skied the effort. A free kick earnt by Tom Bennett in the 20th minute was struck towards goal by Eddie Birch, but the Shildon goalkeeper pulled off a strong save to prevent the first goal of the match.

Tom Collins in the Barton goal was called upon in the 27th minute as he pulled off a great reflex save to deny a strike from the visitors. Up the other end in the 31st minute Chimalilo had another chance on the edge of the box but he put it over again. The 35th minute should have seen the first goal of the fixture as Shildon's number 9 ran through clear on goal but he skewed it wide.

It wasn't in vain however, as following their next attack in the 37th minute a corner was earned, which was subsequently handballed in the area awarding a penalty to the visitors. The penalty was hit strong, and Tom Collins saved it well - but the ball was followed in by Ben Trotter, who headed it in well, to get the lead for the visitors. The momentum continued with the visitors as they pushed on for the next goal, as Tom Collins was forced into another good save in the 41st minute. Matty Plummer picked up a yellow card just before the break, and the teams went in at 1-0. Barton struggled to create clear chances but were very balanced in the possession and attacking plays with the visitors.

The Second Half brought more action as the affair continued. A cagey match as the teams shared possession back and forwards, and it would be against Barton that the next big moment would come. The 58th minute saw a Shildon strike cannon off a Swans defender as he attempted to block it - looping over the keeper and going in to the celebration of the away fans.

The game continued on and Barton couldn't break the scoreline, and brought on more players in the 75th to try rectify this. As the match continued Barton struggled to break down a well drilled Shildon side, and this reflected as the final whistle came about. The fixture finished at 2-0, and Shildon progress into the next round.

Barton put up a good display against the home side, and proved how far they've come within their last 12 months. Barton will have more focus on their league cup and league, taking some of the positives from the FA Vase run to hopefully boost their season.

Record Equalling Vase Run Brings Feel Good Factor To Barton

B

efore this season the Swans’ best result in the FA Vase was the Second Round, which we have reached three times. This season saw Barton Town equal that record, after having been knocked out by third favourites Shildon in the Second Round.

to seal an 8-0 win in front of 187 people. The Second Round beckoned.

While the draw gave Barton yet another home draw, it was against third favourites for the competition in Shildon. A north east based side, Shildon were at the top of their league.

A bumper crowd of 307 came through the turnstiles to watch the Swans possibly make history.

There was a party atmosphere around the Easy Buy as Shildon brought a strong supporting contingent.

While Ben Trotter and Matt Robson scored the goals which would subsequently knock the Swans out the Vase, there was a feeling of appreciation for the club’s efforts in getting this far.

Opposing fans danced and sang long after the final whistle in what felt like an end of season game.

While we didn’t make history, we definitely restored the belief and pride that comes with being associated with Barton Town Football Club.

Keen to put the FA Cup debacle behind them, Dave Ricardo’s side were drawn at home to AFC Liverpool in the First Qualifying Round. The Swans sailed to a 3-1 win at the Easy Buy thanks to goals from Tom Bennett, Will Waudby, and Josh Tennant. 149 were present to see the Swans proceed to the next round.

With Liverpool dispatched, the Swans welcomed Wigan based side Ashton Town to Barton, with the draw again being kind to the Swans and providing a home draw.

A gate of 145 saw the Swans coast past Ashton, with Tom Waudby, Gareth Barlow, Matt Savage and a Donald Chimalilo penalty seeing the Swans through with a 4-0 win.

The draw yet again gave Barton a home draw, against Durham based Brandon United. Playing a step below Barton, the Swans were confident of progressing to the Second Round for the fourth time in their history.

The Swans raced into a 5-0 half time lead thanks to goals from Barlow, Owen Marshall, Matt Plummer, an own goal and Bennett. Luke Aldrich then scored a second half hat-trick

“A high, the FA Vase run. I really wanted a good cup run this season in either cup to be fair. It was absolutely fantastic to see over 300 fans down at the Easy Buy. That was my highest attendance here and I can always remember that day. I just got to a point where I just didn’t know what to do!

There was just so many people in the clubhouse and it was a fantastic day for the club financially.

It really helped put the club on the map. It was a shame we couldn’t get the result and get into the next round, but we played a very good side. I enjoyed that day.

“ (Mark Gregory, Chairman)

19

WORKSOP

2

2

(Aldrich, 62, Chambers, 90)

(Plummer OG, 2, Mitchell, 90)

SWANS

SWANS

2

(McNamara, 47, Marshall, 65)

NCEL Premier Division

Barton set up with a 3-5-2, with Tom Collins in goal, Matty Plummer/ Owen Marshall (Captain)/Sam Belcher in CB, Charlie Shelley and Jack Binns in RWB and LWB, Eddie Birch/Nicky McNamara/Tom Bennett in CM and finally Luke Aldrich and Danny Chambers up front.

It was instant action after 2 minutes, as the deadlock was broken just as quick as the game had started. A cross played into the back post was prodded into his own net by Matty Plummer to give the home side an early lead. Early nerves were there but Barton had to dig deep to get back into the fixture.

A goal line clearance for Barton in the 24th minute following a Worksop corner kept the scoreline down to 1-0. In the 29th minute, Tom Bennett suffered a nasty clash in the air as he looked to have injured his wrist - but he was okay to carry on so he stayed on the pitch following treatment.

The teams continued plugging away at each other but weren't able to put any good chances together, until a few moments until the end of the half as Worksop put in a corner which was headed into the side netting from a few yards out.

The Second Half brought out an invigorated Barton side, with whatever David Ricardo saying at Half Time - working well. Barton looked sharper, hungrier and were much more composed on the ball. This was perfectly echoed as Barton did what Worksop did in the first 45 - scoring 2 minutes in.

Eddie Birch swung a cross in for Nicky McNamara to finish, giving Barton an early ticket back into the fixture. A corner swung into the far post area found the head of Owen Marshall, who headed it into the other side of the goal with a nice finish, to put Barton up 2-1 in the 64th minute.

Barton kept holding onto their lead, but it was ultimately heartbreak for The Swans. A free kick punted up the pitch by the goalkeeper went straight over the defence, where Craig Mitchell was the first to get to it, hitting a strike past Collins to equalise on the last moments of the game.

Guilty of switching off in the first few minutes and the last few minutes of the fixture, the home crowd was elated but among the Barton travelling fans you could feel the sense of disappointment following what had ultimately been a very good defensive display.

HEMSWORTH 4 (Jones PEN, 2, Dockerty, 26, Ripley, 77, Santos, 90)

NCEL League Cup Third Round

Swans boss Dave Ricardo was experimenting with his side as he gave starts to Ewan Train at left back and Jamie Goddard in the centre of midfield. Tom Collins was in goal, with Sam Belcher and Alex Knaggs in central defence, with Charlie Shelley at right back. Partnering Goddard in midfield was Tom Bennett and Matthew Savage. The front three were Donald Chimalilo, Danny Chambers, and Will Waudby, fresh from his suspension to captain the side.

The visitors had a strong side, and were given a golden opportunity to take the lead after just two minutes. Sam Belcher brought down a Hemsworth player in the area and Sam Jones was on hand to fire the penalty into the bottom right corner.

It wasn’t the start the Swans wanted, but they were constantly trying to find space. Ewan Train was one of the more creative players, sending through balls down the wing for Will Waudby to chase.

After 12 minutes the Swans were thwarted by some fantastic defending resulting in a goal line clearance from a corner. However they were kept in the game thanks to goalkeeper Tom Collins. The Hemsworth attacker was through on goal, but Collins came out and saved the shot with ease, parrying it away to safety in what was a man of the match performance from the 16 year old.

On 26 minutes however Hemsworth doubled their lead as a ball was played across the area and Brad Dockerty was on hand to tap it in. The Swans then went on the attack, and after 30 minutes the post came to Hemsworth’s rescue as a shot was cannoned off the upright to deny Barton a goal.

The second half saw a much improved Barton performance, and on the hour Luke Aldrich was introduced in a formation change by Ricardo.

Him and Chambers linked up well up front with Aldrich tapping home in the area to half the deficit. The Swans were chasing that vital equaliser and were denied a few times by the offside flag in their pursuit.

However on 77 minutes a ball was played into the area and Seon Ripley rose to meet it and restore Hemsworth’s two goal lead. On 86 minutes Swans reserve player Luke Kershaw was introduced to stake a claim for a place in the first team.

With four minutes added on Barton tried to make things interesting. A brilliant counter attack by Will Waudby set up Danny Chambers, who fired home from just inside the area to half the lead again.

The whistle blew to signal the end of the game a few minutes later and Barton knew they had dropped 2 points from a fixture they weren't very uncomfortable in.

However this was in vain as Sidney Santos scored again for Hemsworth as the Swans chased the equalizer.

The Second Half performance for Barton gave them many positives to take from the game.

The Swans bow out of the NCEL League Cup at the Third Round stage, and only time will tell if this is a blessing in disguise or not.

20

MALTBY

0

SWANS

2

(Rogerson, 21, Plummer, 26)

SWANS

0 NCEL Premier Division

Tom Collins was in goal in a 3-5-2 formation. The back three consisted of Sam Belcher, Matt Plummer and Owen Marshall, with Charlie Shelley and Jack Binns operating as wing backs. Tom Bennett, Eddie Birch and Matthew Savage were the midfield trio with Danny Chambers and Luke Aldrich up front for the Swans.

It was a game where chances were at a premium, but Barton had the finer chances of the opening half. With just 10 minutes on the clock Luke Aldrich had the ball in a promising area of the box.

He drilled his shot towards the bottom corner, but it went just wide of the post in what was a brilliant opportunity for Barton to take the lead.

Both sides were looking dangerous on the ball, with Maltby looking to threaten on the counter attack once they had soaked up Barton’s pressure.

It almost came off a couple of times and had it not been for some resolute defending, the Miners may have taken the lead before the break. On the stroke of half time Charlie Shelley swung in a corner from the right, with Matt Plummer rising to meet it. His headed effort went just over the bar as the referee called for half time just seconds later.

The second half was a lot more open, both sides were gunning for the three points. The hosts had a strong penalty claim ten minutes into the second half when Tom Collins brought down one of their players when winning the ball. The referee waved play on though and the Swans survived another Maltby attack.

On the hour mark Barton brought on Will Waudby and Donald Chimalilo to try and capitalise on tiring Maltby legs.

Maltby had grown into the game in the second half and came out fighting. Matt Plummer saved the Swans with a brilliant last ditch tackle on 61 minutes to deny the hosts yet again.

Donald Chimalilowas causing Maltby all sorts of problems, and had the chance to give Barton the lead when he turned and shot on 84 minutes.

His effort from the edge of the area was deflected and trickled out of play.

Barton and Maltby shared the points in what was a game full of half chances, but none taken. Luke Aldrich’s early effort for the Swans and Maltby’s penalty shout being the two key moments for either side.

Both sides keep their places in the top ten of the NCEL Premier Division table, and will be looking to keep their unbeaten runs going at the weekend.

21

GARFORTH

0

NCEL Premier Division

The Swans welcomed Garforth Town to the Easy Buy Stadium on a typically cold Autumn afternoon in Barton.

Boss Dave Ricardo played a 3-5-2 formation with Tom Collins playing in goal. There was a back three of Alex Knaggs, Sam Belcher and Owen Marshall, who was captaining the side. Matt Plummer and Will Waudby were deployed as wing backs to compliment the midfield trio of Matthew Savage, Tom Bennett and Eddie Rogerson, who returned to the club this week. Donald Chimalilo and Luke Aldrich were played up front as the Swans looked to get back to winning ways.

The first chance of the game came on six minutes when Plummer ran in from the right to the edge of the area. He fed Savage with the ball and his effort was saved by Garforth keeper Toby Wells and out for a corner.

The Garforth stopper pulled off plenty of amazing saves to keep the scoreline down for the visitors. The first goal of the afternoon came on 21 minutes when a corner was played short to Chimalilo, who teed up Rogerson on the edge of the area, and his outside of the foot shot curled into the bottom right corner to give the Swans the lead.

It also meant a goal on his return to the club after a brief spell away at North Ferriby United. Five minutes later Barton doubled their lead.

It came from another set piece as the ball was crossed in and Plummer volleyed it from the edge of the area, flying past Wells in the Garforth goal and giving him his fourth goal of the season.

Barton were in the ascendancy, and Garforth rarely troubled the Swans and Tom Collins in goal.

In the second half Garforth were starting to threaten Barton and aim to get back into the game. On 67 minutes the Swans were awarded a penalty for a foul in the area.

The last penalty the Swans won, in the defeat to Bridlington in October, was saved. Savage stepped up and Wells, whose penalty saving record is impressive, dropped to his left and denied Barton a third goal. Barton were peppering the Garforth goal, with Wells constantly denying the Swans.

Five minutes before the end of the game second half substitute Danny Chambers was shown a yellow card for a foul in the middle of the park.

The Swans held firm and took their first three points of the month and gave Barton a much needed boost.

With the title race being so tight in the NCEL Premier Division this season, it’s vital the Swans pick up points to keep up with the runaway leaders.

SWANS

1

SWANS

4

(Plummer, 46, Aldrich, 49, McNamara, 61, Barlow, 82)

(Belcher, 29)

STAVELEY

3

KNARESBRO’ 6 (Garbutt, 10, 27, 32, Walker, 16, 90, Barlow OG, 86)

(Poole, 13, Pugh, 52, Parkin, 56)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

This fixture showed just how far the Swans’ pitch has come in recent seasons.

Having worked on the playing surface over the pre-season, the Swans were now confident they would see less postponements than the season before.

On a soaking wet night, in which saw every other NCEL game planned for that evening called off, the Swans managed to get their game against Staveley on.

Starting with a 3-5-2 formation, Tom Collins was in goal. The back three consisted of Sam Belcher, Owen Marshall and Alex Knaggs. Laurence McKay and Matt Plummer operated as wing backs with Tom bennett, Nicky McNamara and Eddie Rogerson playing in midfield. Danny Chambers and Donald Chimalilo were up front.

The weather caused it to be difficult for either side to be competitive and play good football. The Swans won in similar conditions earlier in the season against Hemsworth Miners Welfare, but it wasn’t to be their night.

Some poor defending from Belcher led to Tomas Poole to run in and slot past Collins to give the visitors the lead. On the balance of play, the Trojans deserved to be ahead, and thoroughly outclassed the Swans for most of the game. Barton got back on level terms as Belcher atoned for his error and bundled the ball home from a corner on the half hour mark to give the Swans a chance at picking something up from the game.

The rain was still pouring when the teams came out for the second half, and Staveley were out of sight as two goals in four minutes saw off Barton’s challenge and killed the game as a contest.

BOTTESFORD 1 (Johnston, 58)

SWANS

0 NCEL Premier Division

Tom Collins was in goal with Dave Ricardo switching the formation to a 4-3-3. Owen Marshall and Sam Belcher were at the heart of the defence with Charlie Shelley and new signing Laurence McKay as the full backs.

Matt Plummer was absent from the side as he recovers from a back injury. The midfield three were Nicky McNamara, Eddie Rogerson, with Matthew Savagedeputising for the injured Tom Bennett. Finally an attacking trio of Jamie Goddard, Donald Chimalilo and Luke Aldrich completed the side.

Tom Johnston’s goal just after half time was enough to secure Bottesford the points in a cagey affair. Neither side looked incredibly confident on the ball and the Swans had plenty of chances to get something out of the game.

22

A cloudy afternoon in Barton set the scene for a match not many were thinking would feature so many goals, as Barton hosted Knaresborough in the NCEL Premier Division.

In-form Josh Garbutt for the visitors found himself on the end of a squared ball across the box to put the visitors 1-0 up in the 10th minute.

Brad Walker found success as he ran through in the 18th to put away a finish into the bottom corner, putting his side 2-0 up. 11 minutes later in the 29th saw Josh Garbutt get another goal as poor defending from Barton let him sneak through a hole in the back line to get him his brace.

Merely 3 minutes later, Garbutt found himself on the receiving end of a peach of a cross from Dan Thirkell, who swung the ball in behind the defence to help put the team 4-0 up. 33 minutes in, 4-0 down, David Ricardo made a substitution. Charlie Shelley was brought off for Sam Belcher, Ricardo trying to shore the defence up more against the side in what looked initially like damage control. This worked for a period also as no more goals leaked in either net for the rest of the half. The sides went in at 4-0 to Knaresborough. A Barton side many thought defeated from the half hour mark came off, heads down, but they weren't out.

The Second Half brought one of the exciting halves witnessed at the Easy Buy Stadium. Matty Plummer kicked it off (literally!) a minute after the restart with a tap-in following a scramble in the box off a corner.

This was then followed up by a goal in the 49th as Luke Aldrich as he headed in a cross from Danny Chambers to make it 4-2. Donald Chimalilo came on in the 55th minute for Matty Savage, and the game continued. It would be Nicky McNamara who would step the pressure up further next in the 62nd minute as he scored a tap-in to reduce the visitors lead. the 67th minute saw Gareth Barlow come on for Luke Aldrich - a decision that would prove to be key in the fixture. In the 82nd minute, almost like it was written in the stars, Nicky McNamara headed it to Barlow, who from 14 yards out, chested it in the goal's direction, and volleyed it into the net to the ecstasy of the home supporters and team. The game wasn't finished there though. With 8 minutes left, the game was about to take an even bigger twist. Barlow's eye for goal was clinical, but it unfortunately wasn't in the correct net this time. As 4 players went up for a visitor's corner in the 86th minute, it was Barlow that tipped it into his net by accident. This prompted celebrations from the visitor side and bench, as it looked like the winner. It wasn't however, as Barton pushing for a goal in the final minutes lead them to attack a little too high - and with Brad Walker lurking unmarked on the halfway line, it was his time to shine again. A cleared ball found it's way to the halfway line where he pounced on it unchallenged, running through to put it past Tom Collins and gift the win to the visitors. This time the celebrations were screams of joy, albeit a few disrespectful celebrations directed at the Barton bench from some of the visitor team and bench - it was a moment Knaresborough will remember for some time. The whistle was blown shortly after, and despite the heat-of-themoment actions, all was forgiven as the teams and benches shook hands.

BOTTESFORD 2

HANDSW’RTH 2

(Bowskin, 20, Cross, 54)

(Nodder, 66, Fairhurst, 71)

SWANS

0

Lincolnshire Senior Trophy

SWANS

0 NCEL Premier Division

For the second time in a matter of days the Swans were at Birkdale Park. This time in the Quarter Finals of the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy.

A goal either side of the break from Bottesford sealed the win for the hosts, with Barton struggling to break down the home defence.

This officially ended Barton’s chances of winning a cup this season having already been knocked out of the FA Cup and Vase, and the NCEL League Cup. This meant the club could address the league and try to keep up with their opponents for that top six finish.

SWANS

3

(Birch, 37, Rogerson, 79, 90)

HALL ROAD

0

NCEL Premier Division

Second half goals from Josh Nodder and Waide Fairhurst sealed the three points for the Ambers, as the Swans were made to rue missed chances.

Dave Ricardo opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Tom Collins in goal, and Laurence McKay and Charlie Shelley as full backs. Owen Marshall and Sam Belcher were in the heart of defence with Matt Plummer out through injury. The midfield three were Eddie Rogerson and Eddy Birch, along with Matthew Savage. Donald Chimalilo and the returning Will Waudby played on the wings with Luke Aldrich up front.

The beginning of the game was end to end, with both sides playing their cards close to their chest in terms of a game plan. The best chance of the opening 15 minutes fell to Chimalilo, whose shot from the edge of the area was deflected over for a corner.

On 17 minutes Handsworth hit the woodwork with a nice volleyed effort which Collins managed to get his fingertips to as he tipped it on to the crossbar and out for a corner.

Collins was called into action again on 25 minutes as a long range effort was parried by the youngster and then collected again by the Swans ‘keeper.

In an end to end first half, Chimalilo was next to have an effort on goal.

Again he received the ball on the edge of the area but his effort was drilled along the floor and into the arms of the Handsworth stopper.

It was a cold day with torrential rain and wind coming in the second half to make the conditions even tougher for the Swans.

Dave Ricardo employed a 4-3-3 formation with Tom Collins in goal.

There was a back four of Sam Belcher, Owen Marshall, Matt Plummer and Jack Binns. The midfield three were Nicky McNamara, Eddie Rogerson and Eddy Birch. Donald Chimalilo and Laurence McKay played on the wings with Danny Chambers up front.

Barton did eventually break the deadlock on 37 minutes when the ball was rebounded in the area into the path of Eddy Birch. The midfielder coolly slotted home to put the Swans in front. With just 11 minutes to go Barlow was through with Barton going two-on-one. The ball was squared to Eddie Rogerson who tapped home Barton’s second goal.

With the points surely sealed there was time for one more as Rogerson ran into the area with the ball before smashing it past the Hall Road ‘keeper into the bottom corner for a third goal, and Rogerson capped off a man-of-the-match display with two goals.

23

Just five minutes before half time Handsworth hit the bar again after a cross was played in and the resulting header bounced off the cross bar and out for a goal kick. The hosts were arguably the better side in the first half and were unlucky not to be ahead at the half time break.

Two minutes after the restart Luke Aldrich was next to test the Handsworth ‘keeper as he fired a low drilled effort towards the goal. The stopper pulled off another good save as Barton looked to punish Handsworth for not taking their chances in the first half.

With 25 minutes to go the deadlock was finally broken as Josh Nodder responded fastest to a melee in the area and prodded the ball home to give Handsworth a deserved lead.

The hosts doubled their lead in a five minute salvo as a Barton lofted ball was cut out by Handsworth who went straight on the attack, with Fairhurst rounding Collins before tapping home to kill off any Barton comeback.

The Swans couldn't find their way back into the game and it ended 2-0 to the hosts.

FROM THE BOARD ROOM Swans Chairman Mark Gregory muses on the 2018-19 season which saw progress both on and off the field.

A

fter another season at the Easy Buy Stadium, Chairman Mark Gregory sat down with the club’s Media Officer Aaron Irwin to discuss highs and lows, his ambitions for the club in the next 12 months, and what really keeps a non-league club

as fourth favourites to win the league. This season has been one of the most competitive for years, for a long time there were around ten teams fighting for the title. At least we were in that mix for so long?

“I mean was it a good thing or a bad thing that we were tipped as being in the top four? Like I said in the previous question we AI: At the start of the season the aim was the top six, we’ve were top of the league for 24 hours and we were in the top six at not quite hit that target, but we are on for a possible top the start of the season. Apart from the FA Cup exit, we had a ten finish… really good start to the season, probably the first ten games. We had a very good FA Vase run, and we were near the top. But MG: “Yeah the target at the start of the season was the top six. something just happened. Our mid-season wasn’t the best, then If we do finish in the top ten, it’s not a bad season but personally towards the end of the season, especially the last 12 games, we I still think we have underachieved. The structure of the club, picked it up again. Unfortunately, it was too late. I don’t think it and where the club sits in the pyramid of this league, I think was brilliant to be thought of like that, but I don’t think that’s we’re around the top six in terms of attendances this season. the reason why we didn’t finish in the top six. If we hadn’t have This has got to be a top six club. With the investment that’s bestarted off really well, then the players might have gotten a ing put into the club, yes, we should have been a top six side. little nervous, because people were tipping us. It’s great to be However, if we do finish tenth, that’s only four places away. It’s tipped and I’d like to think we’re in that same bracket for next not a disaster, and as I’ve said, it’s still a progression from the season.” season before. So now we just look to next season and push on more.”

There has been some progress from last season, in Dave Ricardo’s end of season interview he said he was struggling In last season’s notes you said, “We desperately need a 40 to get 11 players for some games. Whereas this season goal a season player”, and we got that in Joel Sutton, unwe’ve had a lot more stability, we’ve never been in a relefortunately we lost him in pre-season due to a nasty leg gation fight. break. Do you think this impacted our finishing position?

Losing key players?

“There’s been a lot of progress, on and off the field. Dave and his management team have done a very good job in stabilising the “It’s always bad to lose a key player, yes the manager went out, side. For my first two seasons here, we were in a relegation we needed that player, and we don’t know if we got him or not fight, we were down at the bottom. We’ve never been there this because we just didn’t have time to see it, but we believe we got season, I don’t think we’ve been below 12th, so they have done a him. It was so unfortunate for the club, the manager, Joel, and very good job, and long may that continue. Most of the players we couldn’t find somebody else in time. To be fair we’ve strugthey have brought in have been quality players. We’ve just gled all season to find that particular person. Did it hurt us? Not lacked that edge up top. We haven’t scored many goals, we’ve fully no, that wouldn’t be my excuse for not finishing in the top scored 74 in all competitions, but some of the sides in the botsix. We were actually top of the league for 24 hours this season, tom six have scored more. However, we’ve been fantastic at the and that was without Joel. It didn’t help, but I don’t think that back again, and we’ve got one of the best defences in the was the main reason that we didn’t finish in the top six this sealeague. We’re third in the league for clean sheets. But we’re in son.” the bottom six for goalscoring. So that kind of sums up our seaAt the start of the season the Bootiful Game had us down son. I’ve said it before, we’re just lacking that bit of quality in the going.

24

final third, getting that shot off or creating the opportunity. You could have the best striker in the world, but if he’s not getting the service to put the ball in the back of the net, then he isn’t going to score.”

the FA Cup exit. I have never ever been so disappointed in anything that I’ve done in my life I don’t think! On that particular day, being 3-0 up at home and losing the game 4-3, and it was an FA Cup game as well. It’s probably the worst result since I’ve been here to be honest. It was gut wrenching it really was. BeGoing to behind the scenes, I believe a club is only as cause we all know how good a cup run is for a club. The FA Vase strong as its volunteers, as you said we have stabilised this run was good financially, and good for the club. If we had that in season, and that’s been helped by having a really strong the FA Cup, it would be even better. That was probably the lowteam off the pitch. est of the low. A second one for me is the Goole game away.

“My first two seasons with the club, the first season was hard, After that game my top six dream was over, and I won’t lie, I the second one was fair in terms of work. But this season has started seriously thinking about next season, and clientele. been brilliant behind the scenes. The people we’ve had come on Luckily, I didn’t have to make that decision and like I said we’ve board, have actually offered to help and come on to the commit- had a really good back end of the season. tee. We got a new Vice Chairman, we got a new Club Ambassa“A high, the FA Vase run. I really wanted a good cup run this dor, and just those two people alone have relieved a lot of presseason in either cup to be fair. It was absolutely fantastic to see sure off people’s duties. We’ve all got a duty on match day now; over 300 fans down at the Easy Buy. That was my highest atwe’ve all got a duty behind the scenes and we’re all working tendance here and I can always remember that day. I just got to really well as a team and we all know what we’ve got to do. I a point where I just didn’t know what to do! There was just so believe that’s only going to get better. I really do. That’s why it’s many people in the clubhouse and it was a fantastic day for the got to get better on the pitch season by season. We’ve got a club financially. It really helped put the club on the map. It was great structure here and we’ve got great people involved with a shame we couldn’t get the result and get into the next round, the club now. The club is very lucky to have these people. Supbut we played a very good side. I enjoyed that day. Another high porters are very lucky to have these people. The community is for this season is the reserves joining us, which was a real posilucky to have these people. Personally, I just want to thank tive for the club. We’ve had a possible feeder for the first team. them so much for backing myself and Barton Town Football They’ve exceeded all my expectations by pulling in crowds, Club. Long may that continue because if we keep this group of bringing money to the club and most importantly, gaining propeople behind the scenes, we can only go forward. We can’t go motion in their first season. That’s another big high for the seabackwards.” son. Well done to the reserves, well done to Liam and all the Volunteers are one thing that keeps a club going, another lads from the reserves. Thank you for your support, and Barton is sponsors. We’ve got plenty of fantastic sponsors at this Town are here to support you for many years to come.” club.

Finally, what’s the aim for the next 12 months? Where do “Without the sponsorship there wouldn’t be a club, and without you want to be when we sit down again in a year’s time? sponsorship there wouldn’t be the people. Because the people “Well, I’ll be sitting down with the manager in a couple of would have nothing to do, and these new people that have weeks, and we’ll be putting our targets in, discussing budgets. come on board this season have brought in sponsorships. We’ve So, it’s hard to say until after that meeting. We all want promogot our work cut out this season, because we have a lot of good tion. I think we’re good enough for a promotion, the structure of sponsors to contact. There are also new sponsors out there to the club is good enough for promotion. Is that aiming too high? try and get. But there’s only so many hours in a day that you No, it’s not. Every team who starts the season must think of promotion or what’s the point of being here? Behind the scenes can work, because we all work. We all have full time jobs. The it would be great if we could maintain the progress of the sponsors who back myself and the club, without them we crowds. Keep getting continual growth. Maybe a couple more wouldn’t be here. You can’t thank them enough. If I had the big sponsors during the pre-season. Also a few more sides! I am time, I would ring them up every day and personally thank in negotiations at the moment with a few younger sides which them. That’s how important sponsorship is to a club at this levwe’ll hopefully see at the Easy Buy Stadium next season. It’d be el. Some of the big clubs don’t really care, but we will look after great to start getting a bit of youth involved because they are our sponsors every minute of the day. Apart from the supportthe future of the club. We’ve also got the reserves, they’re in ers, they’re probably the most important people at the club, and step seven next season so I’d like to be saying they had a good they don’t even come to the club.” season. Consolidating themselves in that league. We’ve got the veterans side, who’ve already had two promotions, not sure if It’s been an eventful season, we’ve seen some highs, we’ve they’ll get a promotion this year but it’d be great if I’m sat here seen some lows, have you got any personal highlights or and they’ve got themselves in to the first division. I just hope it low points? will be a positive year for the club and we will be working hard.

“Let’s start with the low, the lowest point of the season must be That’s why we get up in the morning, and that’s why we work for Barton Town FC.” 25

SWANS

2

SWANS

0

1

WORKSOP

0

(Chambers,4, Birch, 46)

PENISTONE (Scrivens, 10)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

Barton Town ended the year with a 2-1 win over second placed Penistone Church.

Barton Town and Workop Town played out a 0-0 draw at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Goals from Danny Chambers and Eddy Birch saw Barton Town end the year with a win over second placed side Penistone Church at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Both sides had chances to win the game but neither side could break the deadlock.

Tom Waudby returned to the club from North Ferriby United and was into the starting XI. Tom Collins was in goal, with a 4-3-3 formation being employed by Swans boss Dave Ricardo. Will Waudby and Charlie Shelley were full backs with Owen Marshalland Matt Plummer in the heart of defence. Nicky McNamara, Eddy Birch and Eddie Rogerson played in the middle while Tom Waudby, Donald Chimalilo and Danny Chambers played up front.

Ben White returned to the club to play in goal for the Swans with Tom Collins away with parent club Scunthorpe United. Swans boss Dave Ricardo played a 4-3-3 formation again with Matt Plummer and Will Waudby playing as full backs with Gareth Barlow and Owen Marshall in central defence. Eddy Birch, Nicky McNamara and Eddie Rogerson played in midfield with Donald Chimalilo, Tom Waudby and Danny Chambers playing up front.

It only took Barton five minutes to open the scoring as Chambers was set up by Birch and the striker coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give the Swans an early lead.

It was an end to end game with both sides exchanging chances, but the biggest chance of the half and the game came after 13 minutes when McNamara brought down a Worksop player in the area to give a penalty to the visitors. The spot kick was wide of the post however and the score remained goalless.

However just four minutes later Penistone broke, with the ball being played across the area to Sam Schivens, who tapped the ball into an empty net to give the visitors an instant reply. Matt Plummer was injured in the build up and was replaced by Gareth Barlow in defence after just 10 minutes.

On 30 minutes Barton had a great chance to take the lead when Chambers was played in, but his shot was cleared by the keeper after a well taken shot.

After just 15 minutes both sides had already made a substitution as Penistone left back James Young had to come off for Conor Glavin due to injury. The first half was an end to end game with the Swans making more chances and looking more comfortable on the ball. They were eager to get back to winning ways following a dip in form.

Just seconds after the restart the Swans were back ahead as Birch got the ball just inside the area and unleashed a rocket of a shot which fired into the bottom corner. A great finish and it meant Birch ended the day with a goal and an assist. The Swans were in control of the game, and just after the hour mark Barton could have extended their lead as a Birch free kick in a promising area went just over.

It was then Penistone’s turn to threaten and after some nice interplay the shot went just wide and the score remained 2-1 to the Swans.

Barton ended the game with 10 men however as Charlie Shelley limped off injured after the Swans had made all their available substitutions.

They had to play the final 15 minutes a man down.

However it didn’t deter Barton, who very nearly made it three when Tom Waudby and Luke Aldrich were in on goal, only for the Penistone defence to recover well.

The game ended 2-1 and Barton picked up not only a vital three points, but ended an amazing year on a high note.

26

Both sides went in at the break goalless but it was still an entertaining game with two strong sides fighting for the upper hand.

Ten minutes into the second half Barton were forced into a change as Plummer came off injured for the second week in succession. Sam Belcher replaced the central defender.

Just after the hour mark Barton had another fine chance when a free kick was swung in, with Barlow heading it towards goal.

The veteran is known for his goalscoring exploits and almost gave Barton the lead from the back. The goalkeeper tipped it over for a corner after another fine save.

A couple of minutes later Worksop had another effort which almost gave them the lead.

The ball was crossed in but the cross deceived White, who tipped the ball onto the bar and out for a corner.

The final 20 minutes saw both sides throw everything they could at each other in order to try and find a breakthrough.

A feisty and end to end game ended goalless between two fantastic footballing sides, with the Swans enjoying the majority of the pressure but weren’t able to break the deadlock.

ATHERSLEY

1

(Garside PEN, 20)

HARROGATE 3 (Marsden, 41, Lancaster, 49, Riley, 90)

SWANS

0

SWANS

2

(Barlow, 34, Rogerson, 79)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

The Swans lost out to a Lee Garside penalty midway through the first half as this kicked off five successive losses for Barton.

The main talking point of the game was Ben White having to come off after picking up a shoulder injury and Swans striker Gaz Barlow having to go between the sticks for most of the second half, and managing to keep a clean sheet.

YORKSHIRE

3

(Newman-Morton, 14, Flynn, 77, Barlow OG, 81)

SWANS

0 NCEL Premier Division

Riches was in goal with Swans boss Dave Ricardo employing a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jack Binns and Will Waudby were full backs with Owen Marshall and Gareth Barlow in the heart of defence. Eddie Birch and Eddie Rogerson were the midfield linchpins with Tom Waudby playing behind the front line. Dunkerley and Donald Chimalilo were on the wings with Chambers up front.

The opening goal came on 14 minutes when a nice run down the wing saw the ball played across the face of goal and bundled over the line by Devonte Newman-Morton to give Yorkshire the lead.

Then on 27 minutes Chambers and a Yorkshire player both went in for a ball and kicked it at the same time, with Chambers coming off worse, badly injuring his knee.

The game was paused while Chambers was attended to by the paramedics. After around 30 minutes he left the field to applause from the crowd, and the game was restarted.

Yorkshire had chances to double their lead before the break but to no avail, the Swans went in a goal down and still had a strong foothold in the game.

With 15 minutes to go Yorkshire doubled their lead with the ball laid off to Flynn just inside the area, who fired past Riches to score his 30th goal of the season and end all hopes of a Barton equalizer.

Five minutes later Yorkshire had a third goal which was harsh on a hard fighting Swans side. The ball was played in at pace and ricocheted off Barlow’s leg, flying past Riches for an own goal.

The result was flattering for Yorkshire, who had shown more desire to win the game, but Barton were far better than the 3-0 result suggests.

27

A last-minute goal sealed a first win since August for Harrogate Railway Athletic as the Swans lost out 3-2 at Station View.

With a depleted squad, Dave Ricardo’s side took on the relegation battlers. Sam Riches was in goal, with a back four of Jack Binns, Matt Plummer, Gareth Barlow and Will Waudby. The midfield consisted of Eddy Birch, Eddie Rogerson and Tom Bennett, the latter returning from a foot injury. With no fit strikers, Ricardo played a front three of Tom Waudby, Donald Chimalilo and Charlie Dunkerley.

The first half showed that both sides were cancelling each other out, as Barton piled pressure on Harrogate, but their defence stood firm to deny the Swans. The hosts themselves were playing good football and the game was there for the taking for either side.

Harrogate had the first real chance of the game after 30 minutes when a shot was parried by Riches into the path of their striker, but his effort went over the bar and kept the game goalless. The Swans punished them for that mistake when a corner was swung in by Will Waudby, and after Harrogate failed to clear it Barlow met the ball with a diving header to score his ninth of the season and give the Swans the lead.

Moments before the goal Plummer went down injured on what was his comeback game from injury. He was replaced by Sam Belcher.

On 41 minutes the hosts equalized with a well taken shot from Thomas Marsden, which made the scores level at half time. Just four minutes after the restart Harrogate were in front. Fraser Lancaster slotted the ball low past Riches to put Railway in front. The Swans were slow to start the second half and Harrogate capitalized on it.

Just after the hour mark Barlow had an attempt to double his tally, but his shot curled the wrong way and out for a goal kick. 73 minutes gone and Barton were still fighting for an equalizer, the ball fell to Birch who was a couple of yards out, but Harrogate’s goalkeeper did well to block his effort and push it out for a corner.

With just 12 minutes to go the Swans had their equalizer. Rogerson got the ball on the edge of the area and curled it into the top corner in a wonderful finish. Seconds after going level the Swans were down to ten as Bennett received a second yellow card for reacting to a harsh challenge on Chimalilo.

Barton and Harrogate were fighting tooth and nail for a winner.

Chimalilo had a shot which went wide and then from the resulting goal kick the ball bounced over our defenders and was ran onto by a Harrogate attacker. His effort went wide of the post for a goal kick.

Lewis Riley received the ball in the area for Harrogate and he turned and shot past Riches to send the home crowd into pandemonium. The whole Harrogate team and bench ran to celebrate as they took their first win in months, and a vital three points towards survival.

SWANS

0

GOOLE

2

(Hutchinson, 22, Barwick, 27)

HEMSWORTH 2

SWANS

(Connolly, 44, 79)

(T. Waudby, 14)

NCEL Premier Division

1 NCEL Premier Division

A Nash Connolly double secured the three points as the Swans lost out at home to Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

A wonder-goal from Terry Barwick saw the Swans taste defeat again at the hands of bottom side Goole AFC .

Swans boss Dave Ricardo handed a debut to Reserve team player Thomas ‘TAD’ Dixon in a largely unchanged side. Sam Richeswas in goal, with a back four of Dixon, Owen Marshall, Sam Belcher and Laurence McKay. Tom Waudby, Eddie Rogerson and Matty Savage occupied the midfield with a front three of Will Waudby, Donald Chimalilo and Gareth Barlow.

The defeat meant Barton still hadn’t won in 2019, with one draw and four losses. The Swans were showing signs of arresting that slump and played some good football, but were denied by Goole and their tenacity as they fought relegation.

It took six minutes for the first chance of an action packed first half.

Barlow held up the ball well in the area and this teed up Tom Waudby, but his shot went just wide.

Sam Riches was in goal, with Dave Ricardo employing a 4-3-3 formation.

Sam Belcher, Laurence McKay, Owen Marshall and Matt Plummer were the defensive back four. Eddy Birch, Eddie Rogerson and the returning Tom Bennett were in midfield with the Waudby brothers Tom and Will on the wings and Gareth Barlow up front.

Hemsworth were then handed a golden chance on 15 minutes. The ball was played long from Wells goalkeeper Jordan Greaves, and the ball bounced over Belcher, with Brad Dockerty running onto it. However Riches was able to save the shot from the Hemsworth top scorer.

It only took 14 minutes for the first goal to go in. In a game Barton had largely dominated to this point, a corner was swung in and headed

by Tom Waudby past Goole ‘keeper James Hitchcock for the opening goal.

With just moments to go before half time, a lovely ball was played over to Nash Connolly, and the winger was in acres of space as he drilled a shot past Riches to give the visitors the lead.

This seemed to spur Goole on however, as they sprung into action and were pressuring the Swans defence. On 22 minutes, Barton failed to clear their lines, with a clearance ricocheting off a Goole attacker to the feet of Leigh Hutchinson, who tapped home the gift to equalise for the hosts.

Barton had fought hard during the first half and even had chances of their own.

On 53 minutes the Swans had a fantastic chance to equalize as Will Waudby played in Savage, but his low curled shot from the left hand side of the area was saved by Greaves.

Barton had plenty of chances in the second half and had started the second period better.

On 69 minutes Will Waudby swung in a corner and brother Tom headed it towards goal, but his header was cleared off the line by a Hemsworth defender to deny the hard working Swans.

Another chance to level the score came with just over 15 minutes to go as Chimalilo was given space in the area to run in and take a shot.

Just five minutes later Goole were ahead through what can only be described as a wonder goal. Terry Barwick received the ball just in the Barton half, and after a small run, he hits it from 30 or so yards out, with the ball looping over Riches and nestling into the back of the net to put the hosts in front and complete the turnaround.

Barton ended the half the stronger side, fighting to get back into the game. Will Waudby swung in a cross which fell to Birch, but his shot went just over the bar from the edge of the area.

Five minutes before half time the Swans spurned a brilliant chance as McKay whipped in a cross which Bennett met with his head, but again it went just over in what was a fantastic move by Barton.

However his effort went just wide and the Swans were soon made to rue these missed chances.

Just 11 minutes in to the second half, Goole almost have a third as a clearance fell to the Goole attacker in the area, but his effort went just over, and spared the Swans.

Hemsworth had been defending for most of the half, but a fine counter attack played in Connolly, who produced a wonderful lob over Riches to double both his and Hemsworth’s tally and put the game to bed.

The second half was mainly the Swans trying to break down a resilient Goole defence.

Barton again fought hard and had plenty of chances to get something from the game, but Hemsworth were more clinical with their chances.

The Vikings held firm and had an answer to every play the Swans attempted. Goole always looked dangerous on the counter, but it was mainly Barton who were fighting for the equaliser.

28

SWANS

5

KNARESBRO’ 1

(Barlow, 34, Goddard, 59, T. Waudby, 69, 90, Chimalilo, 77)

(Baker, 35)

ALBION

SWANS

1

0

(Denton, 25)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

Barton Town recorded their first win of 2019 in style with a 5-1 win over Albion Sports at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Barton Town walked away from Knaresborough Town with nothing despite being dominant for a large portion of the game.

Having lost five consecutive games, as well as having the unwanted record of being the only team in the NCEL yet to win a game in 2019, Barton were looking to put things right. The visit of 17th placed Albion Sports, who themselves were in a poor run of form, promised something spectacular.

The Swans peppered the hosts’ goal with efforts and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opposition half, but Knaresborough’s Adam Baker scored the only goal of the game with Knaresborough’s only real noteworthy chance.

Dave Ricardo made wholesale changes to his side, bringing in some fringe players and resting some of his consistent starters. Sam Riches was in goal with a 4-3-3 formation being played. Matt Plummer and Jack Binns were full backs with Sam Belcher and Owen Marshall in the centre of defence. There was a debut for new signing Brad Freer, who signed from Pickering, in midfield alongside Eddy Birch and Matthew Savage. Gareth Barlow started up front with Donald Chimalilo and Jamie Goddard on the wings.

Albion almost went ahead midway through the first half when Keita was in on goal, he tried to round Riches but the Swans ‘keeper got a hand to the ball in a fantastic stop.

Dave Ricardo gave a debut to new signing Jamie Barkway, who has signed from Pickering Town. He played a 4-3-3 system with Sam Riches in goal. Matt Plummer and Jack Binns were full backs with Barkway and Owen Marshall in the heart of defence. Tom Waudby was recalled to the starting XI after his match winning performance against Albion. Brad Freer and Eddy Birch were alongside him. Will Waudby was also recalled with Donald Chimalilo on the opposite wing and Gareth Barlow up front.

It only took seven minutes for Barton to have their first real chance of the game, with Plummer getting the ball on the touchline and surging to the edge of the area. The first real signal of intent from the Swans who were putting early pressure on Knaresborough.

They managed to hold on to this lead for around ten minutes before the Swans drew level. Chimalilo made a surging run from the wing, setting up Barlow, who managed to slot home his tenth goal of the season.

Having missed a vital header minutes earlier, he had made amends with a clinical finish.

The hosts were dangerous on the counter and were attempting to forge chances of their own, with a few half chances being all Riches had to worry about. Though a defensive lapse in concentration from Barton picked out the Knaresborough winger, who played a ball in and Adam Baker tapped it home to give the hosts a slender lead ten minutes before half time. Just three minutes later a lovely lofted through ball from Plummer picked out Will Waudby, who passed to Barlow. The Swans top scorer couldn’t get his shot on target and Barton went in at half time one down.

The introduction of Will Waudby ten minutes into the second half turned out to be a masterstroke by Ricardo. Replacing Barlow, Waudby moved to the left with Chimalilo now in the centre forward role.

Waudby caused Albion problems from the start, and just three minutes after coming on he played in a cross along the floor to Goddard, who tapped home to give Barton the lead.

Five minutes after the restart Will Waudby ran down the wing and crossed the ball. The ball got caught in the wind and was heading towards goal, only for Knaresborough keeper Rushworth made a fine stop to tip it over the bar. The second half was mainly Barton who were pressuring, with the Swans unable to find that finishing touch to bring them back into the game.

The Swans had found some confidence and were playing the ball around comfortably. On 68 minutes Tom Waudby was introduced from the bench and within seconds he curled the ball home to put Barton well and truly in the driving seat. Five minutes later Goddard continued to stake his claim for a first team place by teeing up Chimalilo, who tapped home after great work from Goddard in the build up to put Barton 4-1 ahead.

Plummer and Tom Waudby both tried to score but failed, and the best chance for Barton to grab a late equalizer came from substitute Eddie Rogerson. The midfielder pulled the trigger from the edge of the area but his shot ricocheted around the area before being cleared by the Knaresborough defence.

A free kick was floated into the area from full back Kesi Omolokun and when Riches came out to punch the ball, he missed it, allowing Sam Denton to head into an empty net and give Albion a deserved lead.

On 90 minutes Barton capped off a tremendous display with Tom Waudby’s emphatic shot from 25 yards out, which curled over Albion keeper Ethan Krabbenden and into the top corner to make it 5-1 to the hosts.

29

After winning last week the Swans come back down with another defeat, but the effort was there for all to see, the Swans deserved something out of the game, had it not been for a man of the match performance from the Knaresborough goalkeeper, it could have been a different result.

A THOUSAND WORDS A selection of the finest photos from this season.

(Clockwise from top) The squad during a preseason friendly. Swans boss Dave Ricardo looks on during a game. The team celebrate with Will Waudby following his goal. Matt Plummer and Jamie Goddard celebrate the last minute winner over Eccleshill United in October. Joel Sutton in action during pre-season before his season ending injury. Josh Tennant (middle) celebrates his goal with Tom Bennett (left) and Nicky McNamara (right).

30

(Clockwise from top) The 2018-19 team photo. Reserve Team Manager Liam Graham (left) and Club Captain Jon-Paul Broughton (right) announce Routec as new sponsors for the Reserves side. Tom Bennett and boss Dave Ricardo embrace following Bennett’s goal against AFC Liverpool in the FA Vase. Following North Ferriby United’s unfortunate demise, we invited them to come watch our game against Bridlington Town.

31

SWANS

1

GARFORTH

1

(Simpson PEN, 27)

(W. Waudby, 21)

BRID TOWN

0

NCEL Premier Division

SWANS

0 NCEL Premier Division

The Swans held firm to deny the Seasiders, who failed to score for only the second time this season.

Mark Simpson scored a first half penalty to seal the win for the Miners in a game the Swans dominated, but just couldn’t add that finishing touch.

Barton Town defeated title-chasing Bridlington Town 1-0 thanks to a goal from Will Waudby midway through the first half on a windy day at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Sam Riches started in goal, with a back four of Owen Marshall, Jack Binns, Matt Plummer, and Jack Mail, making his first start for the club.

Waudby, Brad Freer and Eddy Birch were in midfield with Will Waudby, Donald Chimalilo and Jamie Goddard up front.

Sam Riches was in goal, with Matt Plummer, Jamie Barkway, Owen Marshall and Jack Binns playing in defence. There was a midfield trio of Eddy Birch, Brad Freer, and Tom Waudby, with Will Waudby, Donald Chimalilo and Jamie Goddard up front for the Swans.

It took just eight minutes for the first chance of the game, which fell to the visitors. A nice through ball saw Jake Day run in on goal, but Riches managed to pull off a great save and tip the ball out for a corner.

On 18 minutes Will Waudby collected the ball and cut in onto his stronger left foot. He curled an effort on goal, but the shot went wide and out for a goal kick. Three minutes later he was to get his goal.

21 minutes in Waudby reacted first to the ball in the area and bundled it past Tom Jackson in the Bridlington goal and it trickled into the bottom corner for Waudby’s fourth goal of the season. The former Seasider taking his chance and putting the Swans in front.

Bridlington, who looked dangerous on the counter attack, almost equalized five minutes later when Andy Norfolk fired a free kick just over the bar.

In a frenetic first half, there were two further chances for Barton from Tom Waudby and Jamie Goddard, but neither went in to give the Swans a slender one goal lead at half time.

Bridlington came out in the second half rejuvenated and looking for that equalizer. Their best chance of the game came just ten minutes into the second half. Norfolk played in a fantastic cross to Day, but his flicked-on header went just wide of Riches’ goal.

The visitors grew into the game and were being denied by a resolute Swans defence, former Barton player McFayden then took a free kick which he curled just over the bar.

The Seasiders were fighting for the win which would have taken them second in the league, and throwing everything they had at the Swans, but Barton denied them and secured just their second win of the year.

The crowd was boosted by a few fans from North Ferriby United coming down to the game following the news that their club is to be wound up.

It’s important that local non-league clubs band together in times like this, and we are happy to help their fans get their footballing fix. We are united as a non-league community.

32

It took just five minutes for the Swans to register their first chance. A run from Chimalilo into the area teed up Goddard, but his first time shot went over the bar and out for a goal kick.

The Swans were on top throughout the game and had another effort on 21 minutes when Plummer headed over from a corner.

Two minutes later it was Will Waudby’s turn to have an effort as he broke into the box and tried to find the bottom corner with a curled shot. It went just wide of the post and the score remained goalless.

On 27 minutes a Garforth player made a run towards goal, with Plummer tripping him inches inside the area. The referee waved play on and the game continued.

However, the linesman had his flag up. After consultation the referee pointed to the spot and Simpson stepped up to score and give Garforth the lead. It could be argued it was against the run of play, with Barton having enjoyed most of the possession.

The second half saw Garforth defending well as Barton were doing their best to find an equaliser. Gareth Barlow was introduced off the bench after an hour to replace Goddard.

The forward had plenty of chances in the first half that just didn’t fall kindly for him, and the Swans legend came on with 25 minutes left to play.

On 73 minutes there was a lengthy delay as Tom Waudby was tackled and stayed down. After a 30 minute wait the ambulance turned up to see Tom off the pitch and take him to hospital.

He suffered ligament damage and a chipped bone, as well as a hairline crack in his ankle. He left the field to applause from both sets of supporters and was replaced by Matt Savage for the final 17 minutes.

On 81 minutes Birch had a chance to get a goal for the Swans, but his 25 yard rocket was saved by Garforth keeper Toby Wells.

The best chance fell in second half injury time as a Birch shot in the area was well blocked by the Garforth defender. It just wasn’t to be as Barton fell to another defeat on the road by a one goal margin, their second in as many away games.

SWANS

5

SWANS

2

(Piercy, 12, Mail, 19, Goddard, 20, Marshall, 33, Savage, 53)

(W. Waudby, 2, Plummer, 65)

HARROGATE 0

ECCLESHILL

NCEL Premier Division

0

NCEL Premier Division

Barton Town cruised to a resounding 5-0 win over Harrogate Railway Athletic on Tuesday night at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Barton Town continued their push for a top ten finish by defeating Eccleshill United 2-0 at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Goals from debutant James Piercy, Jack Mail, Jamie Goddard and Owen Marshall saw Barton stroll to a 4-0 half time lead. Matthew Savage added a fifth in the second half to complete the rout over relegation threatened Harrogate.

Goals from Will Waudby and Matt Plummer either side of half time gave the Swans another three points as they look to end the season on a high.

Sam Riches started in goal, Owen Marshall and the returning Laurence McKay were full backs, with Mail and Piercy, who has recently signed from North Ferriby, in central defence. Matt Plummer, Eddy Birch and Savage were in the middle of the park with Goddard, Will Waudby and Gareth Barlow up front for the Swans.

Barton were dominating the game from the start, with McKay almost giving the Swans an early lead as he met a cross with a header. His header went agonisingly wide of the post. However on 11 minutes Barton took the lead. A corner was floated in to the near post, and Piercy flicked it on with his head and into the bottom corner for a goal on his debut. He was also awarded the man of the match award for his display last night.

Just six minutes later there was a two-minute double salvo from the Swans as another cross was floated in and Mail rose highest to head home his first goal for the club. Seconds later Goddard added his name to the scoresheet as he slotted the ball into the back of the net from just inside the area.

The Swans were soaring, and on 27 minutes could have had four. Striker Barlow slid to meet a cross, and got a foot to it, but the ball trickled wide of the far post. Though eight minutes later Barton would get their fourth. Yet another cross was played in to the back post from the right, with Swans captain Marshall rising to head the ball in off the underside of the crossbar to give Barton a four-goal lead at half time.

On 52 minutes Barton had their fifth as a free kick was won on the edge of the area. It was Matt Savage who would step up, and he curled the ball into the top corner from a reasonably tight angle, capping off a brilliant Barton display. Moments later young striker Moyo Ajibade was given his debut, coming on for Will Waudby. The tall forward almost got his first goal instantly as his low driven shot towards goal was well saved by the Harrogate ‘keeper.

Harrogate to their credit grew into the game, and had a few chances towards the end but Riches was largely untroubled in the Swans goal.

The final chance of the game fell to the Swans as Barlow squared it for Ajibade, but the debutant managed to skew his shot onto the bar from a couple of yards out.

This sealed Barton’s biggest league win since August 2016, and a 7-0 win over Retford United. It was a complete performance from the Swans.

33

There were three changes from the side which demolished Harrogate Railway 5-0 in midweek. Jack Binns, Brad Freer and Donald Chimalilo came in for Laurence McKay, Jamie Goddard and Gareth Barlow respectively.

Sam Riches was in goal, with a back three of Plummer, James Piercy and Jack Mail. Owen Marshall and Binns were used as wing backs, with a midfield trio of Freer, Matt Savage and Eddy Birch.

Waudby and Chimalilo were up front for the Swans.

Almost instantly the Swans were ahead. An Eccleshill corner was cleared by the defence and Chimalilo latched onto the ball just inside the Barton half. He marauded forward and made a fantastic run into the area where he teed up Waudby, who slotted home to give Barton the lead.

Chimalilo was awarded man of the match by the match sponsors, MRD Garages, and it was clear to see why as he made another quick run. He cut inside but his shot was off target. The Swans were dominating after just eight minutes.

Eccleshill looked dangerous on the counter and had some chances of their own, but Barton were by far the better side. On 33 minutes the visitors almost equalised as their shot went just over the bar to keep the score one nil.

The Swans went in at the break a goal up, but almost conceded immediately after the restart. A great run by the Eccleshill attack saw them round Riches and tap the ball towards goal. However, Jack Mail was on the line to block the shot and see the ball out for a corner.

On 64 minutes, the Swans went two up. A corner was swung in and Plummer rose highest to head the ball home and effectively seal the points for Barton.

The second goal was harsh on Eccleshill, who had definitely come out the better side in the second half, and were showing signs of getting back into the game. On 67 minutes they almost pulled a goal back when Riches’ kick was intercepted by an Eccleshill man, and his shot on goal trickled past the post for a goal kick.

The game petered out and the Swans took the points in a game which they were the better side for the most part. Eccleshill had their spell of dominance at the start of the second half but Barton were largely the better side.

SWANS

0

HALL ROAD

1

(Waud PEN, 80)

MALTBY

3

(Rigby, 18, Turner, 46, Duggan, 64)

SWANS

2

(Marshall, 70, Barlow, 77)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

The Swans completed the double over Hall Road Rangers thanks to two late goals from Owen Marshall and Gaz Barlow.

After a timid first half, Barton finally found their way into the lead as Marshall scored on 70 minutes, before Barlow doubled the lead on 77 minutes.

Reagan Waud scored a penalty ten minutes from time to give Hall Road hope but the struggling side fell to another defeat at the hands of the Swans.

Barton Town’s four game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Maltby Main at the Easy Buy Stadium.

LIVERSEDGE

Cameron Rigby scored in the first half before further goals from Jordan Turner and Ross Duggan sealed the win for the visiting side.

(Farrar, 77)

Swans boss Dave Ricardo made wholesale changes to his side, with Thomas Dixon and Laurence McKay coming in for Owen Marshall and Jack Binns respectively. Alex Knaggs deputised for Eddy Birch while Jamie Goddard came in for Brad Freer. Sam Riches was in goal, Dixon and McKay were full backs, with the same back three of James Piercy, Jack Mail and Matt Plummer. Goddard and Knaggs were joined by Matt Savage in the midfield with Donald Chimalilo and Will Waudby up front.

SWANS

It was a timid start to the game, with both sides trying to find their rhythm. The Swans didn’t have their first real chance until the 14th minute. A fantastic through ball by Savage fed Waudby, but his curling shot was straight into the arms of Pollard in the Maltby goal. Maltby were on top though, and fired a warning shot when Ross Duggan got through the defence and teed up Aaron Moxam, but his effort was blocked. Just seconds later they were ahead.

19 minutes into the game, a brilliant through ball split our defence, allowing Cameron Rigby to run in behind and slot the ball past Riches to give the visitors the lead. Swans heads didn’t drop though, and they kept fighting and cutting out Maltby attacks. 33 minutes in Maltby almost doubled their lead as a ball was played across the face of goal but no one was there to connect to it, another warning for the Swans.

There were changes for each side at the break. Young reserve defender Dixon made way for Moyo Ajibade while Maltby brought on top scorer Jordan Turner. It was the latter who made more impact on the game.

Just seconds after the restart Maltby sprung an offside trap and were two on one, with just Riches to beat. Duggan squared the ball to Turner, and he slotted home for his 15th goal of the season. Not the restart the Swans were looking for.

Maltby asserted their dominance in the second half, being first to every ball and not giving Barton an inch. They rounded off their performance with a third goal just after the hour mark. Another through ball split our defence and found Duggan, who managed to cut inside and curl the ball low into the far bottom corner.

The Swans were restricted by the best defence in the league and no matter how hard they tried, Maltby had an answer for any attack they attempted. Will Waudby was sent off in second half injury time to round off an overall forgettable night for the Swans. The winger was shown the red card for a rash tackle with no one contesting the referee’s decision.

34

1 0

NCEL Premier Division Barton Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liversedge in the Swans’ final away game of the season.

Sam Riches was in goal, with Jack Binns and Jamie Goddard playing as wing backs. Jack Mail, James Piercy and Owen Marshall were in defence. Eddy Birch, Brad Freer and the returning Tom Waudby played in midfield with Gareth Barlow and Moyo Ajibade up front.

The game was one in which chances were at a premium. Barton started arguably on top and were applying some pressure. A sequence of corners in the opening minutes showed the Swans were getting in the right areas. The first chance came through Barlow’s shot on goal, which was saved by the ‘keeper. The first half saw two different kinds of football being played by the two sides. Liversedge went for the more direct route, which was cancelled out by the Swans defence. Meanwhile Barton were attempting to pass the ball around and try to find an opening, which was also not working against a resilient Liversedge side.

The second half saw both sides fighting harder to try and find that breakthrough. On 57 minutes Liversedge won a free kick in a threatening area, which Riches did well to collect.

The hosts grew into the game, applying the pressure and looking more and more likely to break the deadlock. On 77 minutes the deadlock was broken, just seconds after Riches pulled off a fantastic save to deny a certain goal. Another corner was floated in, with Riches again called into action, pulling off a fantastic save before the rebound was bundled over the line. The goal was arguably deserved, with Liversedge putting pressure on the Swans and getting tHeir reward. Barton tried to find an equalizer in the little time that was left, and came agonisingly close on the stroke of full time as a ball was crossed in and the resulting header went just wide of the goal before the referee called full time.

SWANS

1

SWANS

4

(Johnston OG, 18)

(T. Waudby, 15, Binns, 29, Knaggs, 79, Barlow, 88)

BOTTESFORD 1

LIVERSEDGE

0

(McMenemy, 13)

NCEL Premier Division

NCEL Premier Division

Barton Town and local rivals Bottesford Town played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Easy Buy Stadium.

Two goals in each half sealed the three points for Barton as they head into their final game of the season next week.

The visitors took the lead through Jack McMenemy on 13 minutes before a spectacular own goal five minutes later gave Barton a route back into the game.

Sam Riches started in goal, with a back three of Matt Plummer, Jack Mail and James Piercy. Owen Marshall and Jack Binnswere wingbacks with Tom Waudby, Jamie Goddard, and Eddy Birch in the midfield. Gareth Barlow and Donald Chimalilo played up front for the Swans.

Sam Riches played in goal, with a back three of Jamie Barkway, Matt Plummer and James Piercy. Jack Binns and Owen Marshall operated as wing backs with a midfield trio of Tom Waudby, Brad Freer and Eddy Birch. Donald Chimalilo partnered Gareth Barlow up front.

It took just 11 minutes for the first real chance, with a great through ball finding Barlow, and his inch perfect cross found Waudby, whose header went agonisingly wide of the goal and denied the Swans.

Just two minutes the Swans were made to pay for their missed chance as Bottesford counter attacked and took the lead. A ball over the top found Bottesford top scorer Jack McMenemy, who took aim and shot at goal. The ball deflected off Riches and rolled in off the post to give Bottesford the lead and illustrate how dangerous they could be.

It was Bottesford who gifted the Swans a way back into the game. A ball was rolled across the box along the floor, Bottesford midfielder Tom Johnston tried to clear it, but only succeeded in slicing it into the top corner to put Barton on the scoreboard.

By half time both sides had had chances to take the lead. Swans top scorer Barlow had the better of the chances and was unlucky to see his flick from a Swans free kick go just over the bar.

Barlow was again unlucky as he was played in on goal, beating the offside trap and getting a shot off, unfortunately for the Swans legend, the ball rolled the wrong side of the post.

McMenemy then had a chance to restore Bottesford’s lead as he slotted the ball low, but it went just wide, with neither side able to take advantage of these chances.

With just five minutes to go Riches pulled off a fantastic save for Barton to keep them in it. A Bottesford shot was on its way in before the youngster got a fist to it and tipped it over. This proved to preserve the point for Barton, who had one more chance to steal the three points.

Some fantastic passing play in second half stoppage time from the Swans got them into a fantastic area, but they couldn’t quite get the shot off before Bottesford managed to clear it and keep hold of a point.

A draw was a fair result on a day in which both sides had chances to steal the win, but couldn’t quite capitalise on them.

35

The game started off with both sides playing smooth attacking freeflowing football, but Liversedge were forced to change their game plan when their captain Tom Jackson was sent off after just nine minutes. He was adjudged to have kicked out at Chimalilo and the referee saw it and didn’t hesitate in brandishing the red card. Tom Waudby rose highest from a corner to head the ball home and give the Swans an arguably deserved lead after just 15 minutes.

Just before the half hour mark The Swans were two up, as Binns was played in and had an open goal to tap in for his first goal of the season.

Shortly before half time Liversedge had an effort which almost reduced the deficit. ‘Sedge top scorer Joe Walton was played through but his shot went just wide of Riches’ goal to keep the score at 2-0 at half time.

The second half was mainly Barton, with Liversedge having some dangerous moments, but none of which threatened Riches in the Swans goal. The third goal came ten minutes before the end, and from an unlikely source. Knaggs made a surging run forward from midfield, he played a neat one two with Barlow, before curling a first time left footed effort in to the top corner for just his second goal of the season. There was even time for a fourth goal as Barlow slotted home his 12th goal in 37 appearances this season to complete the rout and secure the three points for the Swans.

SWANS

1

(Ajibade, 55)

THACKLEY

3

(Robinson, 12, 80, Normantion, 38)

NCEL Premier Division

PLAYER POWER Who featured for the Swans this season? And where did we get them?

IN’S

Player

Apps (Sub) Goals

Moyo Ajibade

1 (5)

1

1

0

Luke Aldrich

11 (4)

7

1

0

Jamie Barkway

3

0

0

0

Gaz Barlow

18 (20)

12

0

0

Sam Belcher

19 (2)

1

3

0

Tom Bennett

24 (1)

2

6

1

Jack Binns

31 (3)

1

2

0

Eddy Birch

23

2

6

0

Danny Chambers

19 (4)

4

2

0

Donald Chimalilo

36 (9)

5

2

0

Date

Player

Club Signed From

4 June

Tom Bennett

Bridlington Town

4 June

Jack Binns

Hall Road Rangers

4 June

Matt Plummer

AFC Mansfield

11 June

Joel Sutton

Bridlington Town

11 June

Alex Knaggs

Bridlington Town

Tom Collins

23

0

1

0

14 June

Nicky McNamara

Bridlington Town

Milo Cook

1 (3)

0

0

0

15 June

Danny Chambers

Hall Road Rangers

13 July

Sam Belcher

Hall Road Rangers

Brad Freer

8 (2)

0

0

0

23 July

Donald Chimalilo

Tadcaster Albion

Jamie Goddard

14 (15)

3

3

0

23 July

Matt Savage

Tadcaster Albion

23 July

Owen Marshall

Tadcaster Albion

Alex Knaggs

18 (9)

2

1

0

26 July

Tom Collins

Scunthorpe United

Jack Mail

8 (2)

1

0

0

6 October

Luke Aldrich

Cleethorpes Town

2 November

Eddy Birch

Pickering Town

Owen Marshall

41

5

3

0

23 November

Eddie Rogerson

North Ferriby United

Laurence McKay

9 (1)

0

1

0

27 November

Laurence McKay

Cleethorpes Town

Nicky McNamara

23 (1)

2

7

0

19 January

Charlie Dunkerley East Yorkshire Carnegie

2 March

Jack Mail

North Ferriby United

James Piercy

8

1

0

0

26 March

James Piercy

North Ferriby United

Matt Plummer

38

6

5

0

Sam Riches

16

0

2

0

OUT’S Date

Player

Club Signed For

Eddie Rogerson

14 (2)

4

3

0

22 September

Josh Tennant

Hall Road Rangers

Matt Savage

16 (13)

2

1

0

4 January

Tom Collins

Scunthorpe United

19 January

Luke Aldrich

Albion Sports

Charlie Shelley

19 (2)

0

1

0

26 January

Nicky McNamara

-

Tom Waudby

25 (3)

7

7

0

16 March

Nathan Popple

East Yorkshire Carnegie

23 March

Sam Belcher

-

Will Waudby

29 (4)

5

2

2

36

37

ACROSS THE LEAGUE The 2018/19 NCEL Premier Division season was one of the most fiercely contested for years. As much as ten teams were fighting for the title at one point, with a relegation battle which went down to the final minutes of the season. 2019/20 has a lot to live up to.

Pos

Name

Team

Goals

1

Ashley Flynn

Yorkshire Amateur

38

2

Matt Sykes

Worksop Town

29

3

Joe McFayden

Bridlington Town

25

4

Nash Connolly

Hemsworth MW

23

5

Jack McMenemy

Bottesford Town

23

Pos

Name

Avg Att

1

Worksop Town

512

2

Penistone Church

193

3

Knaresborough Town

193

4

Bridlington Town

190

5

Staveley Miners Welfare

157

Pos

Name

Clean Sheets

1

Maltby Main

16

2

Hemsworth Miners Welfare

12

3

Worksop Town

12

4

Barton Town

11

5

Penistone Church

11

Pos

Name

Best Attack

1

Penistone Church

112

2

Bridlington Town

98

3

Worksop Town

95

4

Hemsworth Miners Welfare

89

5

Yorkshire Amateur

83

Pos

Name

Best Defence

1

Maltby Main

37

2

Worksop Town

40

3

Staveley Miners Welfare

45

4

Penistone Church

49

5

Bridlington Town

51

38

Pos Team

Played

GD

Points

1

Worksop Town

38

55

90

2

Penistone Church

38

63

82

3

Bridlington Town

38

47

77

4

Hemsworth Miners Welfare

38

38

75

5

Yorkshire Amateur

38

21

73

6

Maltby Main

38

29

68

7

Staveley Miners Welfare

38

32

67

8

Handsworth Parramore

38

3

63

9

Knaresborough Town

38

13

60

10

Eccleshill United

38

-6

53

11

Barton Town

38

3

52

12

Bottesford Town

38

-4

52

13

Liversedge

38

-24

48

14

Garforth Town

38

-8

42

15

Thackley

38

-10

40

16

Albion Sports

38

-22

40

17

Athersley Recreation

38

-45

31

18

Goole AFC

38

-61

23

19

Harrogate Railway Athletic

38

-59

22

20

Hall Road Rangers

38

-65

20

FROM THE DUGOUT Swans boss Dave Ricardo spoke to Swans Media Officer Aaron Irwin regarding his aims for this season and the next, as well as just how important volunteers are to a football club.

AI: We've finished the season 11th, a small improvement on last season, do you see it as an improvement?

DR: "There are a number of ways that you can determine improvement or otherwise but ultimately the final league position is the key. With this in mind, it has been an improvement but not as much as we hoped prior to the season starting. On a positive note we have brought on the pitch stability after a number of years of insecurity. As well as this the style of football we have played this year in the main at home I hope has been appreciated by the paying public. Our ethos has been built on passing football which takes courage at times."

In your notes last season you said you struggled to get a Team together for some games, were you ever in that position this season?

"Although, like most teams, we have suffered a whole host of injuries this season but the difference being the seriousness of the injuries. With this in mind you could think that we may have struggled to get a squad out however other than Liversedge away we put out 14 plus every game."

We lost a few key players to horrible injuries this season, do you feel this held us back from our top six aim?

"Joel Sutton and Danny Chambers injuries were killers for us and it should never be underestimated the impact it has on the player as an individual. The two injuries probably cost us 25 plus goals which would have put us right in the mix."

How challenging is it going to be keeping the squad together and how hard will it be to bring in new players?

"The squad we have is relatively young and with a number of quality players so I would be naive to think that they would not be tapped up at any point. However, from playing and managing at this and higher level I know how well they get looked after by the club in a whole range of aspects. The reputation of player welfare will also assist in player recruitment."

Attendances are up by around 30%, how important are fans to the squad? Give them an extra boost?

"The supporters have been fantastic throughout the season both home and away. I would hope our style of play and home results have helped with the rising in attendances however from a personal perspective I am aware of the time and energy is taken in supporting our club and it’s appreciated more than can be imagined."

We're blessed to have a great set of volunteers at the club, how easy do they make your life as manager?

“The assistance from all angles around the club is hugely welcomed from the players and management. I have played at clubs where there was a serious lack of volunteers to assist the week by week running of a club as well as match days. As with the comments re supporting the club the amount of time and effort volunteers put into the greater good enables the club to run smoother than otherwise would do."

What are your ambitions for 12 months time?

“I can’t predict the future, but I can state that we will work our hardest in getting this club where I believe it can be. The work has already begun to get into that top 6 and push on from there. Top 3 go up next year which will mean a highly competitive league. With your help we can be in the mix."

39

40

41

RESERVES: STATISTICS Date

Comp

Team

Score

Team

Scorers

18 August

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

6-1

Hessle Sporting United

O’Callaghan (3), Crofton (2), Broughton

22 August

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

6-0

Goole United

Crofton (2), J. Finnis (3), O’Callaghan

25 August

HPL1

Easington United

0-5

Barton Town Reserves

Crofton (2), Herrick (2), OG

29 August

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

8-1

AFC Howden

Crofton (4), O’Callaghan (3), Herrick

1 September

HPL1

Blackburn Athletic

1-2

Barton Town Reserves

H. Finnis, OG

8 September

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

5-0

North Cave AFC

Crofton (4), J. Finnis

15 September

HPL1

Driffield Evening Institute

1-2

Barton Town Reserves

O’Callaghan PEN, Herrick

22 September

HPL1

Bridlington Town Reserves

3-1

Barton Town Reserves

Meffen

29 September

WHC

Hessle Rangers

1-2

Barton Town Reserves

Woodforth, Herrick

13 October

HPL1

Brandesburton AFC

0-2

Barton Town Reserves

Crofton (2)

20 October

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

1-1

Driffield Juniors

Woodforth

27 October

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

1-2

Bridlington Town Reserves

O’Callaghan

10 November

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

4-1

Hall Road Rangers Reserves

Crofton (2), O’Callaghan PEN, B. Everitt

17 November

WHC

Brandesburton AFC

1-3

Barton Town Reserves

Woodforth, B. Everitt (2)

24 November

HPL1

Beverley Town Reserves

5-3

Barton Town Reserves

Crofton, O’Callaghan (2)

8 December

HPL1

Hall Road Rangers Reserves

2-3

Barton Town Reserves

Broughton, Herrick, Patchett PEN

29 December

HPL1

Driffield Juniors

3-2

Barton Town Reserves

Woodforth, Broughton

5 January

HPL1

North Cave AFC

2-3

Barton Town Reserves

Kershaw, O’Callaghan, Sampson

12 January

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

3-1

Blackburn Athletic

O’Callaghan, Kershaw, OG

19 January

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

3-0

Easington United

J. Finnis (2), O’Callaghan

26 January

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

4-1

Driffield Evening Institute

O’Callaghan (3), A. Finnis

23 February

HPL1

Hessle Sporting United

1-5

Barton Town Reserves

Broughton (2), Kershaw, J. Finnis, OG

2 March

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

0-3

Brandesburton AFC

9 March

WHC

Pocklington Town

2-1

Barton Town Reserves

H. Finnis

16 March

HPL1

AFC Howden

3-2

Barton Town Reserves

O’Callaghan PEN, Woodforth

23 March

HPL1

Goole United

0-5

Barton Town Reserves

Bryant, Meffen PEN, J. Finnis, H. Finnis, Maddison

6 April

HPL1

Barton Town Reserves

1-4

Beverley Town Reserves

Meffen PEN

Pos Team

Pld GD Points

1

Beverley Town Reserves

24

45 58

2

Driffield Juniors

24

47 53

3

Barton Town Reserves

24

41 49

4

Bridlington Town Reserves

24

27 46

5

AFC Howden

24

12 44

6

Brandesburton AFC

24

8

7

Goole United

24

-11 34

8

Easington United

24

-9

9

Driffield Evening Institute

24

11 32

10

North Cave AFC

24

-3

25

11

Blackburn Athletic

24

-4

22

12

Hessle Sporting United

24

-64 5

13

Hall Road Rangers Reserves 24

-98 4

42

37

33

VETERANS: STATISTICS Date

Competition

Team

Score Team

9 September

Hull & District Division Two

LIV Supplies

3-3

Barton Town Barracudas

16 September

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

8-3

Hornsea Town

30 September

Hull & District Division Two

Black Horse

0-0

Barton Town Barracudas

28 October

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

1-0

Hedon Rangers A

25 November

Hull & District Division Two

Cottingham Rangers

4-1

Barton Town Barracudas

9 December

Hull & District Division Two

Driffield Evening Institute

3-5

Barton Town Barracudas

16 December

Hull & District Division Two

Bransholme

2-2

Barton Town Barracudas

6 January

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

2-1

LIV Supplies

20 January

Hull & District Division Two

Hornsea Town

3-8

Barton Town Barracudas

17 February

Hull & District Division Two

South Cave

1-1

Barton Town Barracudas

3 March

Hull & District Division Two

Hedon Rangers A

0-8

Barton Town Barracudas

14 March

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

2-2

Black Horse

24 March

Division Two Cup Quarter Final

Barton Town Barracudas

2-0

LIV Supplies

7 April

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

1-3

Cottingham Rangers

14 April

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

0-4

Driffield Evening Institute

28 April

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

5-1

Bransholme

5 May

Division Two Cup Semi Final

Cottingham Rangers

0-3

Barton Town Barracudas

9 May

Hull & District Division Two

Barton Town Barracudas

8-0

South Cave

19 May

Division Two Cup Final

Barton Town Barracudas

5-1

Driffield Evening Institute

The Vets team celebrate winning the Division Two Cup at Blackburn Leisure Centre.

43

SWANS PRESENTATION NIGHT 2018-19 The winners from a fantastic Presentation Night at the club.

MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR - MATT PLUMMER The Swans centre half was strong at the back all season, and earned Dave Ricardo’s award.

Having played all along the back this season, and despite a period out with a back injury, Plummer rose to each test and earned his award.

‘Plums’ made 38 appearances during the 2018-19 season, scoring six goals as the Swans finished 11th.

SUPPORTER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR - OWEN MARSHALL After receiving 44 of the 102 votes in the poll for supporter’s player of the year, it’s fair to say Marshall won by a landslide.

A popular figure around the club, and a consistent and brilliant player, Marshall picked up 43.1% of the vote by being a strong leader at just 19 years old.

Marshall departs to America this summer for a scholarship, and the void left by him will be hard to fill.

44

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR - OWEN MARSHALL Marshall is just 19, and has been the club captain since Nicky McNamara left, which says everything about this player.

41 appearances, he was nearly ever-present this season, scoring five goals to be important at both ends of the pitch.

Being played at right back towards the end of the season, Marshall excelled, and earned his award.

PLAYER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR - MATT PLUMMER Plummer was voted by his team mates as this season’s player of the year.

Calm, consistent, and hardly ever looks nervous on the ball, Plummer has well and truly improved an already strong Barton Town defence.

The former Hull City player came in this season and looks set to be a big part of the Swans backline with Owen Marshall leaving.

There was also a small presentation from Swans boss Dave Ricardo to the Swans’ official ball boy.

Jay Walton was presented with a signed shirt from all the first team players for his hard work throughout the season.

Always enthusiastic on match days, Jay is a pivotal part of the Swans team, and he was thanked for his efforts by the team.

45

RESERVES YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR - THOMAS ‘TAD’ DIXON Reserve team player Thomas Dixon earned the young player of the year award after putting in some dazzling performances as the Reserves side sealed promotion.

Having earned multiple call ups to the first team, he was the first real product of the Reserve side to make the first team.

There’s definitely more to come from ‘TAD’.

RESERVE PLAYER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR - ROBIN WOODFORTH Woodforth (left), pictured with Swans sponsor Andrew Corcoran of The Money Box, has been one of the most consistent performers of the Reserves season.

A constant presence in the centre of the park, Woodforth was instrumental in helping Liam Graham’s side achieve promotion this season.

RESERVE SUPPORTERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR - THOMAS ‘TAD’ DIXON Dixon, pictured with Dean Coleman from Swans sponsor Routec, was the overwhelming favourite for this award.

Picking up nearly half of the vote, Dixon was picked by the amazingly large Swans Reserve support as their player of the year.

He will be keen to keep putting in consistent performances like those seen this season.

46

RESERVE MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR - HARRY FINNIS Having converted from centre midfield to striker following the loss of Ben Herrick, Finnis didn’t complain, and simply got on with it.

The 23 year old scored three goals in 21 appearances for the Reserve team this season.

He earned Liam Graham’s award for his attitude and versatility when needed, and looks a strong member of Graham’s team.

There were presentations to Swans manager Liam Graham from the reserves players. He was given a signed shirt to commemorate their successful season. Swans Chairman Mark Gregory was also presented with a frame to say thank you from the Reserves team. From Left: Kim Mumford (Vice Chairman), Thomas Dixon, Andrew Corcoran (The Money Box), Liam Graham, Robin Woodforth, Mark Gregory, Harry Finnis, and Dean Coleman (Routec).

VETERANS MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR - BAZ BALLARD After a fantastic season for the Veterans, Manager Martin Cox awarded the Manager’s Player of the Year to Baz Ballard after a stellar season.

There were also awards for Top Scorer and Player’s Player of the Year.

Both of these went to Vets striker Tom Spall, who was a goal machine up front, scoring many hat tricks throughout the season to propel the Veterans to the Division Two League Cup and a top four finish in the Hull and District Veterans League Division Two. 47

48