STERN words were said in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat but none aimed at the depleted match-day squad who put in a top effort against the unbeaten league leaders.

Border League First Division

Lawford Lads 3 Barnston AFC 1

STERN words were said in the aftermath of Saturday’s defeat but none aimed at the depleted match-day squad who put in a top effort against the unbeaten league leaders.

Missing from the line up on Saturday was Adam Emery who, according to manager Leighton Williams will “never play for the club again” after failing to turn up.

The club said that Emery had confirmed his availability just two hours prior to kick off but then failed to show up at all.

Williams added: “Adam screwed over his so called mates, saying he was available, saying he was on his way, and then never showing up. There is no doubt after this that he will never play for Barnston again as this is unacceptable, at any level.”

With nine first team players missing and 17-year-old Conor Crabb injuring a knee in the warm up, AFC were going to find the home side difficult to contend with.

But with resolute defending and some fine individual performances including goal scorer Campbell Wilson the tally was kept in check and the visitors walked away with many positives.

Williams said: “Last week I as manager felt completely dejected and let down by the players with the performance and lack of effort displayed against Rayne.

“But on Saturday, with what was supposedly a make shift team, the lads put on the best team performance of the season by far, and were unlucky to lose due to two wonder strikes.

“How the players kept that work rate up for 90 minutes I do not know, but I am so proud of the performance that these guys put in. It would have been easy to take to the field moaning about players missing, about players not turning up, but the lads came together and worked together, and worked for each other.”

After seeing such promise in many of the reserve team players Williams is now adamant that if any of the players are available this weekend they will be picked.

“They have every right to keep hold of their shirts,” he said. “The big question now though, is can they perform like this again, or was this a one off for some of them?”

Next: Barnston have slipped to seventh but travel to Weeley Athletic on Saturday. Kick off 3pm.

- Despite the first team taking regular players, Barnston’s reserves managed a 6-0 win with Mike Morgan (2), Shane Pyne (2), Daniel O’Brien, and Paul Layzell on the scoresheet.