Scott Lodge had a confident performance for Barnston against Mersea

BOSS Leighton Williams had only one complaint after Saturday’s 2-0 win over against Mersea – that his team did not score enough goals.

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Goalkeeper Craig Reid was never tested in the game as Barnston dominated from start to finish.

Tom Hancock scored the decisive goal before Liam Paton came off the bench to secure the points – but it could, and should, have been worse for the seasiders.

“People will see the score and thing it was a close game, but it wasn’t. It looked like a training game for us,” said manager Leighton Williams.

“We could have been four or five up by half time and I think the lads knew that so we took our foot off the pedal. It was a very comfortable win.”

Barnston got off to an assured start with Luke Nash and Scott Lodge dictating the midfield. Both came close to opening the scoring before Mike Morgan saw his shot strike the bar to the relief of Mersea.

Despite looking likely to take the lead, the woodwork and the offside flag denied the hosts taking a half time lead.

At the half, Williams subbed Morgan and brought on Liam Paton after he scored a second half hat trick last week. The change almost paid off immediately as Paton hit the bar with his second touch.

Two more changes saw debutant Ben Brown introduced. In the latter stages of the game his poise on the ball and tenacity in tracking back were too much for Mersea.

On the hour mark Barnston finally capitalised on their pressure. Tom Hancock was fastest to react to a loose ball and fired home from close range.

Paton was causing Mersea’s defence problems and as the game neared its conclusion he grabbed a goal. Brown’s corner found Paton in the box who outstrenghten defenders to turn and fire the ball into the net.

Follow me on Twitter: @m_edwards88 to get live updates from all of Barnston’s home games.