Report by Merv Nash

A brace of goals by Barwell’s leading scorer Jamie Towers ensure the Canaries continued their excellent end of season form. 5 wins out of 6, four clean sheets and a total of sixty points for the campaign so far. This victory was due to a solid defensive display by Barwell’s outstanding back four of Rob Oddy, Mason Rowley, Rikki Bains and Guy Sanders who withstood everything that was thrown at them.

After a scrappy start to the game Swindon almost took the lead when visiting goalkeeper Liam Castle was required to save a shot from Nick Stanley. On twenty minutes a header by Stanley from a Ben Wells free kick landed safely in Castle’s hands.

Two minutes later Barwell took the lead when a Nick Green corner was partially cleared to Rikki Bains whose lob forward was turned in by Towers.

Just before half time Towers was put through clear on goal by Matt West but volleyed wide.

Swindon exerted heavy pressure in the second half and Jamie Prictor was inches away from converting an Ashley Edenborough cross.

The home side’s attacking continued and a free kick from Wells found the head of Gary Horgan whose header flashed over the bar.

There was another narrow escape for Barwell two minutes from time when Swindon substitute Steve Cook sent a drive inches past the post.

On 90 minutes Barwell broke away to increase their lead. Kevin Charley on the bye-line turned home defender Tom Cole and laid the ball back to Towers who sent a low drive into the net.

There was still time for Towers to show lightning pace to set up substitute Danny Scheppel who shot wide in front of an open goal.

This defeat for Swindon virtually means they are relegated.

Team: Liam Castle, Rob Oddy (Scott Lower 70), Guy Sanders, Rikki Bains, Mason Rowley, Nick Green (Danny Scheppel 75), Jamie Towers, Scott Hadland, Matt West (Pete Saunders 72), Kev Charley, Tom Weale.
Sub not used: Chris Anastasi.

Goals: Towers 22 (assist Bains), 90 (assist Charley).

Attendance: 157

Man of the Match: Rikki Bains