Barwell left in late to draw level in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round tie as a Richard Lavery header took a deflection of Workington keeper Aaran Taylor and gave the home supporters hope for progression in the competition.

Having conceded a penalty early in the second half, the home side were playing catch up for the rest of a game which neither side dominated.

Both sides had chances to take the match but with goalkeepers on form this was never going to be a high scoring match even though the side from the Blue Square North did show glimpses of quality at times. Barwell were resilient and worked hard to keep the visitors out.

In the 4th minute Workington had their first venture forwards as a free kick conceded by Mark Albrighton was floated onto the line by Will Vaulks but gathered cleanly by Liam Castle.

Two minutes later a communication error between Castle and Albrighton allowed a cross to be aimed at Jonny Wright but his headed effort was well cleared by Jack Edwards.

Barwell responded through Jamie Towers who received a ball down the right from Luke Barlone and crossed for Matt West only to see his ball intercepted by Niall Cowperthwaite who headed clear.

After 14 minutes as Matt West was fouled allowing Scott Hadland to float a place kick into the box. It was headed into the path of Luke Barlone who had a chance to shoot but James Bolton deflected the ball out towards the touchline.

Four minutes later, Jordan Connerton tried to cross from the right but a well timed slide from Albrighton dispelled the danger. Vaulks’ corner was swung in only just missing the post and out for a goal kick.

Workington continued to press and Phil McLuckie fed Wright who crossed by Castle was again well placed to gather.

After 20 minutes Barwell had a chance to attack as West nodded on to Towers who threaded a ball across the six yard line aiming for Paul Spacey who was waiting on the far post. However, the ball did not reach him as a timely foot from Cowperthwaite nudged the ball into the hands of Taylor.

A minute later Barwell spurned a cast iron chance as a penetrating run from Scott Lower gave him the chance to cross for Spacey who had again found space on the left but he shot across the goal and well past the post from eight yards.

With 24 minutes played a poor clearance from Guy Hadland fell to Arnison who chanced his arm from 35 yards but his drive was off target and went harmlessly past the post.

Soon after a free kick from Spacey was headed goalwards by Mark Albrighton with Guy Hadland aiming to turn the ball in but the former Aston Villa player was leaning on a defender and conceded the free kick.

As the game approached the half hour, Wright beat Edwards and crossed but a spectacular punch out from Liam Castle dispelled the danger.

Workington responded after 34 minutes as Will Vaulks found himself on the edge of the box. He shot but Liam Castle dived well on his line and pouched the ball.

Within a minute a tackle by Luke Barlone on Gari Rowntree earned the Barwell centre forward the first yellow card of the game.

Following a challenge between Jamie Towers and Kyle May, Towers was booked on 39 minutes for his part in the tackle.

Three minutes later Richard Lavery joined Barlone and Towers in Mr. Hair’s book as he was cautioned for a succession of fouls.

As the half came to an end, Barwell pushed forwards on a number of occasions but each time were met by a stalwart Workington defence and were unable to get shots away.

In the last minute of the first half Wright supplied Vaulks who shot from outside the box cannoning the ball against the bar with Castle looking on.

Barwell came out determined for the second half and had the first attack with Barlone laying the ball off into the path of Matt West who shot but it did not trouble Taylor for Workington.

After 50 minutes Rowntree prevented a promising run down the right by Jamie Towers but Mr. Hair was not happy with his challenge and the Reds’ left back went into the referee’s book.

The deadlock was broken after 52 minutes. As Niall Cowperthwaite drove into the Barwell box, Scott Lower went to ground and made the tackle. Although he took the ball, Mr. Hair decided that his trailing leg had infringed and pointed to the penalty spot. Gareth Arnison strode up and sent Liam Castle the wrong way to give Workington the lead.

Two minutes later Barwell pushed forwards and a free kick from Scott Hadland was pumped forwards for Richard Lavery to head but he was off target.

A period of pressure on 55 minutes drew an excellent double save from Liam Castle as first a reaction save from a header then a dive from David Hewson’s shot prevented Workington extending their lead.
After 58 minutes a searching ball from Paul Spacey aimed for Matt West but his header was lacking direction and defended away.

Four minutes later Scott Hadland rose to head goalwards but an excellent save from Taylor turned the ball round his right post.

Barwell continued to press and Towers had a chance to shoot from a long ball from castle. A ball was headed forwards for Towers who headed drawing a good save from Taylor. The ball rebounded to West who shot but Rowntree was in the way and defended the ball to safety.

It was all Barwell as Luke Barlone took his turn to threaten. Following a goalmouth melee the ball rebounded to Barlone who shot into the ground but his effort drifted past the post.

Workington responded through Arnison who crossed finding Castle who punched. Vaulks headed forwards and Castle this time dived to save.

After 76 minutes a good cross from the right from Paul Spacey almost found Nigel Julien but a hand from Taylor diverted the ball away from him.

With ten minutes remaining, Arnison drew a good save again from Castle as he shot to his right and forced the dive from the Barwell stopper who was being kept busy.

Barwell had a chance as Albrighton set up Tom Bates on 83 minutes but the left footed toe poke sped past the post.

In the last minute Stefan Scott picked up a yellow card for kicking the ball away from a free kick.

With the away fans satisfied with the scoreline the game went into stoppage time, Barwell were playing the ball right for Tom Weale as often as they could and an excellent cross found Richard Lavery who headed onto the post. The ball rebounded off the keeper and into the net to give Barwell a last ditch equaliser and a chance to try again in Workington.

There were a number of excellent performances with Liam Castle excellent between the sticks, Luke Barlone working hard to lead the line and supplying many a good ball. But for his tireless efforts charging down the right and a number of excellent potentially goal getting crosses, the Man of the Match Award went to Scott Lower.

Team: Liam Castle, Scott Lower, Jack Edwards, Guy Hadland, Mark Albrighton, Richard Lavery, Jamie Towers, Scott Hadland, Luke Barlone (Tom Weale 82), Matt West (Nigel Julien 67), Paul Spacey (Tom Bates 76).
Subs not used: Jamie McAteer, Rob Oddy, Craig Reid, Lee Waters.

Goal: Lavery 90 + 2 (assist Weale)

Yellow Cards: Barlone 34, Towers 39, Lavery 42

Man of the Match: Scott Lower

Attendance: 217