Lowestoft Town 0 Barwell 3

Barwell won their opening game of the new Pitching In Southern League Premier Central against Lowestoft Town in Suffolk. Two goals by debutant Ben Stephens and a quality header from captain Brady Hickey made sure that all three points headed back to Leicestershire. An early penalty save by Canaries keeper Liam Castle also added to a successful afternoon for Guy Hadland's men.

Barwell had brought in some new players in the week before this first game but the side looked like it had good cohesion as they dominated much of the game. Good shape and exciting attacking play meant that Lowestoft were rarely a threat and were often on the back foot.

It was Lowestoft, however, who started the stronger and they won a penalty after only 3 minutes. It looked harsh on Barwell but the referee stood by his decision. The penalty was saved by Liam Castle who managed to get down low to his left and push the ball away. Lowestoft had a chance again not long after the spot kick with a header that was glanced narrowly wide.

It didn't take long for Barwell to start to apply pressure on the home goal. Joel Carta, who passed well all afternoon, had a shot on 12 minutes after good work by Ben Stephens and Brady Hickey to set him up. The shot was easy for Tibbles in the Lowestoft goal but he had to be on good form to keep out an effort from Osebi Abadaki just a minute later.

Ben Stephens, a threat all afternoon, went close on 17 minutes but his shot went just over. He displayed good skill in the box to create the chance for himself. His scoring touch was to come not long after this when, on 34 minutes, he slotted home a good Joel Carta cross to give Barwell the lead.

Tibbles was becoming a busy keeper as the half started to draw to a close. He saved from Osebi Abadaki again on 40 minutes to keep the score at just 0-1. Abadaki was taken off with an injury just before half time and was replaced by Jahvan Davidson-Miller. Abadaki, a lively winger, had been a menace for all of the 40 minutes he played and looks like a great signing for Barwell.

At the end of the half, Lowestoft had a good chance to go in even with a free kick that was out on the left hand side. The Barwell faithful were relieved when the free kick went beyond all the players in the box and came to nothing.

Half Time: Lowestoft Town 0 Barwell 1

Barwell were even more dominant in the second half and didn't have to wait long for the second goal to arrive. Brady Hickey scored a trademark header after a great cross from the left by Eddie Nisevic. Barwell were playing the ball around nicely and using both wings to cause Lowestoft problems.

Joel Carta again went close with a shot but couldn't beat Tibbles and Brady Hickey was flagged as offside when he went for the follow up. Hickey almost had a second goal with his head on 62 minutes but the ball was deflected for a corner. Eddie Nisevic had two headers from two corners that looked dangerous but the defender couldn't quite make them count.

The third goal came on 71 minutes when Ben Stephens scored with a fine effort from the edge of the box. This shot went across the keeper and nestled in the side of the net. The finish, and his performance all afternoon, showed what a class player he is.

Harry Bower, on loan from AFC Telford United, played well out on the wing all afternoon and looks a real handful for defenders. He showed great pace and skill in the game, going close to scoring on 78 minutes with a shot that hit the post. A couple of minutes before this he had a shot over the bar after the referee had played an advantage when Ben Stephens was bundled over in the box.

As the game entered the latter stages, Harry Higginson came on for Ben Stephens and Jeremy Abbey came on for Brady Hickey. Both players who went off were carrying knocks from the game and it is hoped they will not be injuries that keep either player out of the next game.

Joel Carta again went close on 81 minutes but couldn't beat the inspired Tibbles in goal and Harry Higginson had a shot that met the same treatment from the home keeper.

Lowestoft had their best chance to score in the 89th minute as the finished the game on top. The ball fell to an attacking player who managed to hit the bar from close range. The ball bounced off the crossbar and straight down on the pitch but didn't cross the line.

It was the first ever victory for Barwell against Lowestoft Town and was a win that was well deserved. The whole team on the day played well and sent the away fans back to Leicestershire very happy with what they had seen.

Full Time: Lowestoft Town 0 Barwell 3

Attendance: 357