Barwell rose to the heady heights of sixth in the Evostik League Southern Premier Division with a win over Swindon where they scored two goals grabbed against the run of play.

An opportunistic first from Scott Rickards and a pounce on a poor back pass in the second half by Jamie Towers were enough to seal the victory and keep the points at Kirkby Road.

Crucial saves throughout the game by Liam Castle, who was on the top of his game, kept the advantage with the home side as the defence put in a truly solid performance.

As early as the 2nd minute Marine pushed forward and Robert Dean had a chance to volley from the edge of the box only to see his shot drift past the post.

Barwell’s first attack came about after 6 minutes. A long ball from Scott Rickards found Kev Charley who tried to control the ball but it got away from him as he shot leaving an easy gather for James Rea in the Supermarine goal.

A minute later, following good defensive work by Guy Sanders, a corner from Nicholas Stanley found Dean who glanced a header across the goal and narrowly over the bar.

Barwell took the lead on 14 minutes as Jamie Towers latched onto a ball from the right and shot goalwards. The ball rebounded to Scott Rickards who shot through a crowded six yard box and into the net.

Two minutes later, Jamie Towers had a chance to cut in from the right and attack the box. He shot from a narrow angle but he did not connect and the ball ended up out for the throw.

After 25 minutes, Scott Rickards put in a hefty challenge on Nicholas Stanley earning himself a stern talking to from referee Mr. Pratt.

After 34 minutes a solid tackle by Guy Sanders left Supermarine skipper Dave Bampton needing treatment. He limped from the pitch and took no further part in the game.

A minute later it was Sanders who needed treatment following a clash of heads with Ashley Edenborough that saw the Barwell defender remain on the ground.

After 43 minutes a free kick by Jai Stanley found the head of Jamie Towers in the box but Rea was well positioned and the move broke down.

Deep into stoppage time Sam Morris drove down the right wing and attempted to cross but a superb interception by Guy Sanders not only prevented the danger but also earned a goal kick as he rebounded the ball off the Swindon player.

After 50 minutes Scott Rickards was warned by the referee following a late tackle on Kyle Lapham just outside the Barwell box.

Supermarine continued to press and attacks by Daniel Allen and then Edenborough forced stern defending from the Barwell back line. But Laim Daly and Mason Rowley held firm and maintained Barwell’s lead.

The Canaries grabbed a second goal on 55 minutes as Jamie Towers latched onto a poor backpass by Kyle Lapham. He rounded James Rea and slotted the ball neatly into the awaiting Marine net.

The home side could have gone further ahead after 62 minutes as a bouncing ball fell to Luke Barlone who turned and volleyed. His shot rattled the crossbar and Supermarine were spared the concession of a third goal.

With 65 minutes played, a misdirected header from Mason Rowley fell to Nicholas Stanley who shot low to Liam Castle’s post. The Barwell keeper made an excellent save to turn the ball round the upright.

In the next move, Castle was again involved as Gary Horgan cross high but Castle was stretching and took the ball above all around as he extended himself to the maximum.

Four minutes after, Castle was again called upon as he dived low to save on his line from Ben Wells.

A free kick conceded by Rickards was the last straw for Mr. Pratt who booked the Barwell midfielder for an accumulation of fouls after 69 minutes.

In the same move, Mason Rowley was lucky to escape a yellow card as he kicked the ball away but Mr. Pratt chose to issue a warning instead.

Nicholas Stanley had a chance to shoot after 77 minutes but his drive found the head of Mason Rowley as it rebounded out for the corner.

After 82 minutes, Steven Cook was shown the yellow card for Marine for dissent as he disagreed with the referee about the non award of a penalty following a melee in the box.

The Barwell defence were being kept busy as the game approached stoppage time. A drive into the box saw Nick Green dive horizontally to head away under pressure.

As the game ebbed away, a lunging tackle by Pete Saunders saw him become the second Barwell player of the evening to receive a yellow card, four minutes into stoppage time.

This was a rear guard action by the home side for large periods of this match. The two breakaway goals being the highlights of the match for the attack. The defensive line were solid and worked hard for their clean sheet. Liam Castle was excellent between the sticks and deserves special mention.

For his influential performance at the back, Liam Daly was awarded the Man of the Match.

Team: Liam Castle, Rikki Bains, Guy Sanders, Mason Rowley, Liam Daly, Jai Stanley (Pete Saunders 73), Jamie Towers, Scott Rickards, Luke Barlone (Scott Hadland 75), Kev Charley (Tyron Amory 82), Nick Green.

Subs not used: Nigel Julien, Anthony Griffiths.

Goals: Rickards 14 (assist Towers), Towers 55.

Yellow Cards: Rickards 69, Saunders 90 + 4.

Man of the Match: Liam Daly

Attendance: 112