Barnston AFC boss Glen Wilkinson was thrilled as his side claimed a first win in seven Essex & Suffolk Border Football League games on Saturday.

Barnston’s 3-2 home triumph over Hatfield Peverel was only their second league victory of the season.

Wilkinson said: “I was very impressed with the work ethic in the first half and the character we showed.

“I was a little disappointed that lapses of concentration allowed Hatfield to get back into the game, but overall thrilled to get the victory in the bag.”

Hatfield had hit the post before Barnston went ahead in the game in the first half.

Visiting keeper Jack Cope dropped a Bailey Jones cross and a scuffed clearance from the centre back saw the ball at the feet of Troy Hawthorn.

From 35 yards his shot flew into the right hand corner.

It was 2-0 soon after the re-start, when Barnston won the ball back and continued to attack.

When it was played through the middle to Bailey Jones, he was able to round the keeper and slot the ball into the net.

The half ended 2-0 to the hosts, with Hatfield hitting a post for a second time just before the break.

There was a disastrous start to the second half for Barnston as Hatfield were quickly back on level terms.

Firstly a low cross from the right was not cleared and an opponent tucked home.

Then a delivery from a free-kick into the home side’s box resulted in an equaliser.

Things looked to be against Barnston as they were reduced to 10 men when Sam Jones picked up a second yellow card and was sent off.

A rarer second half Barnston attack saw them win a corner.

The ball was played in low to the front post and cleared to Kevin Spencer who launched it back into the box. The defence were unable to clear and the ball landed at the feet of Joe Jones who fired in the winner from 20 yards out.

On Saturday Barnston host the league’s bottom side, Lawford.