Barley Mow Wanderers F.C

Barley Mow Wanderers 2-4 Oxley Housing

Match Report.

Last chance saloon for Barley as there long journey for a Clinton Cup Semi-Final spot would today be decided. There was a lively atmosphere about the game with both teams jostling early to get on top. Oxley made the breakthrough after just 10minutes, a shot at goal from a straight forward freekick was'nt dealt with by player/manger Cornaby in goal and his poor handling saw the ball drop into the net. Both sides battled hard on a muddy surface, Barley keeping hold of the ball well at times and possesion was converted well into chances of which they could not take. On 21minutes Oxley nearly doubled there lead breaking well down the left and into the penalty area but the Oxley attacker was foiled by the keepers legs, the ball loose in the box was driven low at goal and a combination of Cornaby and Hales scrabbled the ball away. 24minutes and Barley finally got a reward for there efforts, Cartwright breaking into the box from the right and despite the hand of the Oxley keeper his shot found the corner of the net 1-1. The teams fought on but neither side managing to produce in the final third, Half Time 1-1. The second half started very much the same as the first and not before long Barley took a 2-1 lead. A corner swung in from Cartwright on 51minutes, the ball hit the bar and dropped onto the head of Hales at the far post who found the net for the first time this season. Oxley started to pile on the pressure and in was'nt long before that had levelled the match again. A ball over the top down the right tested the pace of Westbury, the Barley keeper was on-rushing but the Oxley striker beat both Barley player to the ball as he slid in and hammered the ball into the roof of the net. Oxley pushed on and were now on top, Barley struggling to hold up the ball and defend against the pitch slope. Just past the hour and a exellent goaline tackle from Evans kept Barley in the game. 18minutes to go and Oxley got the all important third, this time a ball down the left and Barley struggling again to defend in despiration. Keeper Cornaby encroaching off his line was pinned back as Sewell came across to cover but despite there efforts a low shot easily beat both players before dribbling into the net. Barley brought on some fresh legs but looked tired and struggled to get to grips all second half. Finally in the 89th minute Oxley scored a fourth and finished off all Barley's hope after another attack down the left. Barley's exit from the cup means they must now concentrate on gaining promotion with 11 league games still to play.

Congratulations to Oxley Housing and well done to the Barley lads, a good spirited performance.

Clinton Cup Groups & Results.