BARTON ladies travelled to Cannock on Saturday prepared for a tough game on the hosts’ water-based pitch, and they duly tasted defeat.
Skipper Hannah Smith was without Bernie Fossett and Emma Smith, but fielded a strong squad of 13 to enable rotations across the midfield and front line.
They adapted to the conditions well, in particular the back line of Amanda Ford, Helen Bloxham, Manda Kirkland and Julie Manning, who looked assured on the ball and kept a solid shape in front of goalkeeper Connie Wain.
The opening exchanges were even, with neither team posing any major threat on goal.
Cannock’s pace was on their wings, so it was important for Barton to defend from the front, which they did with excellent discipline.
Kirsty Price, Beckie Hickman and Steph Welch worked hard to get in front of the ball and allow the midfield to set themselves against their opponents.
Midway through the first half, Cannock built up pressure and were awarded consecutive penalty corners.
Kirkland was electric off the line to close down the first, but the second was converted smartly from five yards after two slips left evaded an onrushing Barton defender.
It was a neat corner routine and the 1-0 half-time scoreline was a fair reflection of play.
Hickman had the best opportunity for Barton in the first half, but was forced to ride a number of fouls before getting her shot on target, which had no real power due to the attention of a Cannock defender.
Barton were disappointed not to win a few more free hits or corners in and around the D in the first half, but the halftime chat was positive.
The second half played out in much the same way as the first, with Barton using their bench to good effect.
Katie Robinson and Jo Preston provided fresh legs for the hard-working Hannah Smith, Hickman and Manning.
Carol Watson and Justine Woodcock were calm and controlled in midfield, with the latter often providing the link for Kirkland and Bloxham to work the ball out of defence.
Despite an equal measure of possession, Barton struggled to find their way into the Cannock D in the second half and their lack of goal threat was punished as the home side doubled their advantage with a rapid attack down the right.
Barton were hit on the break and were undone by three precision passes and a clinical finish which Wain got a touch to but could not push around the post.
Wain then produced an outstanding stick save from close range as another quality piece of forward play from the hosts carved an opening.
The difference between the two sides lay in Cannock’s ability to create chances in front of goal.
This weekend sees Barton face bottom side Belper, 2.30pm push-back at Shobnall.
BARTON ladies 2nds who, like their first team, are still waiting for their first league win of the season, suffered an 8-0 defeat against Leek 3rds on Saturday.
Leek proved too strong for a Barton side whose blend of youth and experience was no match for the well-drilled visitors.
Skipper Lou Brodrick must pick up her side for Saturday’s trip to face Tamworth 3rds, who sit just one place above them in the league.
