Barwell progress to next round of FA cup

THERE were two Barwell debutants on Saturday afternoon as new signings Elliot Percival and Kyle Perry both slotted straight into the starting eleven writes Luke Pawley.

The Canaries got off to a perfect start, and were a goal up against Sutton Coldfield Town within 20 seconds.

Midfielder Dec Towers got his foot onto the end of a cross and tucked it into the bottom corner, giving his side a very early lead in the game.

Barwell looked lively going forward, particularly in the early stages, with both Ryan Seal and Tom Bates forcing the opposing goalkeeper into good saves.

On 12 minutes, Barwell had their best chance to go 2-0. Kyle Perry’s thunderous effort from range hit the post, before rolling across the face of goal and being cleared from danger by the hosts.

Midway through the first half, Sutton Coldfield came into the game. Their first threatening attack forced Craig Stanley into heading the ball over his own crossbar, before another dangerous move ended with a penalty appeal being waved away by the referee.

Just before half time, Michael Townsend was probably sure he’d added a second - but for the lightening reactions of the Sutton Coldfield goalkeeper to tip his header to safety. The visitors went into the break 1-0 up.

The second half started relatively evenly, with Sutton Coldfield fired up by their manager’s team talk at half time - which was audible from the top of the main stand.

On 67 minutes, Dec Towers slotted home his second of the afternoon, after beating the offside trap to receive the ball from Ryan Seal and neatly placing the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs and into the back of the net.

For the final 25 minutes, Barwell closed the game out well. Their best chance to add a third game when Tom Bates’ free-kick was tipped wide by the goalkeeper.

The game finished Sutton Coldfield Town 0-2 Barwell, and the visitors progress through to the Second Qualifying Round of The Emirates FA Cup.

Barwell next face AFC Telford on the weekend of September 16.

The Shropshire-based outfit are currently 15th in the Vanarama National League North.