Solid Swans get full three points

ON A very heavy pitch, a solid, workmanlike performance saw Barton come away from Teversal with all three points.

In the third minute, Town's Ryan Morton picked the ball up in the centre of the field before going past a couple of defenders, only to be brought down just outside the area.

The resultant free-kick, taken by Morton, curled inches wide of Teversal keeper Jonathan Wilson's left-hand post.

Adam Crane was causing the home defence problems with his runs from deep and it took a well-timed last-ditch tackle to stop him in his tracks before Town took the lead in the 10th minute.

A run into the box by new boy Dean Taylor was followed by a square ball across the area, Teversal's Luke Fisher slicing into his own net as Gareth Barlow waited to pounce.

The hosts responded. Callum Green turned well but fired well over Town keeper Dave Bramley's goal as Teversal pressed.

And the equaliser did come in the 24th minute, Danny Plumbe gifted time to pick his spot beyond the exposed Bramley.

Parity did not last long as Barton regained the lead in the 34th minute after Crane's good work won a corner.

Taken by Morton, the ball was only half-cleared to Taylor on the edge of the area and his chipped return was met by Lee Moulds. Although Wilson parried the original effort, the ball fell kindly to Moulds again to poke home from a few feet out.

A Taylor through-ball then released Morton one-on-one with the keeper and the Town skipper beat Wilson with some ease to give Barton a two-goal advantage.

The highlight of the second half was a cameo appearance by ex-England international Chris Waddle on Teversal's right flank for the last half-hour.

But even the presence of Waddle could not act as a catalyst for his team-mates as Barton's defence remained solid throughout.

Barton moved up to eighth in the table and host Eccleshill United tomorrow before Tadcaster Albion arrive on Friday as part of the Annual Groundhoppers' 'Bonanza'. Both games kick off at 7.45pm.