Barnston lose to Bradfield Rovers, boss says “Worst performance of season”

A LETHARGIC Barnston got a glimpse of what life might be like without star striker Tim Shaw as they put in their “worse performance of the season” according to manager Leighton Williams.

Border League Div One

Bradfield Rovers 5 Barnston AFC 2

A LETHARGIC Barnston got a glimpse of what life might be like without star striker Tim Shaw as they put in their “worse performance of the season” according to manager Leighton Williams.

Shaw was out impressing at Braintree Town reserves against Chelmsford on Saturday leaving a gap in the AFC line-up as they tried to avenge a 2-0 defeat last September.

However, lacklustre defending contributed to the downfall of the visitors as they shipped five goals and lost, despite goals from Mike Morgan and Luke Nash and a fine all round performance from Kevin Spencer.

Even a stern talking to at half time failed to motivate Williams’ troops and after the game the ambitious boss had some more tough words to say.

“This was probably our worse performance of the season. There was a real lack of effort and determination when not in possession. But, when in possession, we repeatedly opened up the home defence to get into good positions only to see final balls and shots at goal not be of a good enough quality.

“Our passing and moving is still great to watch, but it needed that end product.”

The only really good news from Saturday was that Shaw scored two in Braintree Town reserves 3-2 win Chelmsford and has been invited to join the Braintree Town first team squad for pre-season by manager Rod Stringer.

Williams added: “This is a great achievement for Tim who came out of local Sunday football at the start of the season, and everyone at Barnston wishes him the best of luck for the future as he has worked so very hard to earn this great opportunity.”

Next for Barnston: This Saturday they host league runners up Newbury Forest at High Easter Road. Kick off 3pm.