Barton hit five in opening league win
MIDLAND League hockey is back and Barton got off to a flying start with a 5-2 home win over West Bridgford.
Last season was restricted to only four games by the pandemic but Barton have geared up with a strong pre-season and christened their brand new pitch with a sparkling display.
They were on the attack from the first whistle, with the combined power of Mark Latham, Ash Parr and captain Adam Foster soon causing probems.
The first goal on the new surface came when Latham powered past the last defender on the left-hand baseline and fired a sharp cross for Adam Foster to deflect home.
Soon, Latham did it all himself, this time beating two players dobn the right beforemaking space in the D to flick a reverse stick shot past the helpless Bridgford keeper.
The third goal came from the penalty spot after Ash Parr tormented two defenders at the top of the D and they brought him down right under the umpire’s nose.
Adam Foster stepped up and coolly slotted his second of the game.
Just before half-time, Barton were effectively out of sight at 4-0 when Latham smashed home a volley above his head after a deflected shot from Parr.
The pressure continued straight after the break with defenders Jacob Foster and Liam Goode both having sharp drag flick efforts saved.
Ben
Everett-li then
fired a rebound into the bottom corner after a short corner routine but the umpire had already blown to award another corner for an earlier foul.
The fifth goal came from the penalty spot again and again it was Parr bursting forward from halfway and being felled when he got into the D.
Foster stepped up again and his first hat-trick of the season was in the bag.
In the last 15 minutes, the hot weather took its toll on the pace of the game and Barton’s concentration twice slipped at short corners for West Bridgford to pull a couple of goals back.
Those goals could not detract from an excellent result against opponents who will be expected to challenge towards the top of the division
So will today’s opponents, Nottingham University, who Barton travel to play (2pm).