Canaries try hard but fail to make extra man count

BARWELL were held to a goalless draw at 10-man Marine during a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for both sides, writes Oli Osborn.

The Canaries dominated large periods of the second-half but couldn’t take advantage of the clear-cut chances created.

Marine’s Billy Short was redcarded for an off-the-ball incident with 20 minutes remaining and Barwell were unable to make the additional man count.

Jimmy Ginnelly signed Lee Hildreth just in time to take part in the fixture at the Travel Arena, while Richard Lavery was re-signed by the Barwell boss and had to settle for a place on the bench.

The hosts began on the front foot, with Danny Mitchley causing early problems. The striker who scored twice when the sides met on the opening day of the season struck an effort from distance which flew narrowly wide.

While Mitchley couldn’t find the target, winger Michael Monaghan certainly did, forc- ing a spectacular save from Liam Castle with a well-struck half volley that the goalkeeper tipped over the crossbar.

A couple of chances for Callum Ball well wide of the mark where two of Barwell’s few ventures into dangerous areas before the interval.

A shift to a flat four in midfield seemed to bring confidence into the visiting side, who came out after half-time with a new lease of life.

Just a minute after the break, Ball’s low strike was met with a stunning stop from home keeper Calvin Hare to keep the score level.

The siege on Marine’s goal continued. A rare roam forward for newly formed centre-half Craig Stanley produced an excellent effort from 30 yards on a rain-soaked surface, which Hare turned around the post under pressure.

The home side were reduced to ten men after Smart saw red for an altercation with striker Luke Barlone.

As the Canaries pushed for- ward, gaps began to appear at the back. Substitute Matty Hamilton came inches away from putting the hosts ahead after being put through on goal, firing his effort the wrong side of the post.

Debutant Hildreth headed wide on two occasions before Brady Hickey’s strike flew narrowly past the post as Barwell came away from Merseyside with a point.

Barwell: Castle, Taylor, Kay (Ballinger 56), Stanley, Nisevic, Story, Hickey, Hildreth, Julien, Ball, Barlone.