UNDERDOGS Barnston AFC pulled off a shock 2-1 win in the first round of the league cup on Saturday.

Travelling to neighbours Coggeshall Town the blues put a poor league start behind them to secure a second round birth thanks to goals from Adam Emery and Tim Shaw.

Town went into the game as favourites having beaten Essex and Suffolk Border Premier League outfit Sudbury Athletic in the preliminary round.

However, it was Barnston who started the brighter. Flying out of the blocks the visitors secured the lead inside the third minute.

A swift break down the right saw winger Jay Haberland try to lob a shot over the keeper. Adam Emery followed up the rebound and managed to finish putting his side one nil up.

The early goal only increased the tempo as Coggeshall took control of possession and dominated territorially.

After nine minutes they pulled level. A hopeful ball dropped behind the Barnston defence and was chipped into the box on to the head of Coggeshall striker Frankie Burton.

With the score at 1-1 the game continued at a frantic pace with Barnston goalkeeper Jack Welton pulled off impressive saves.

Before the break Barnston full back Liam Crane received treatment for a big knock to the back of the head, he continued, but then collapsed and had to be substituted.

After half time Barnston manager Leighton Williams tinkered with his midfield. He dropped his central pairing ten yards deeper to stop Coggeshall playing into the feet Burton.

The changes reaped rewards. On the hour a long range effort from Dan Fisher fell to the feet of Mark Pledger. He took a touch and played in Tim Shaw on the right hand corner of the box. Shaw took the ball on, and drilled home to make it 2-1.

Coggeshall tried to batter their way to an equaliser and had two headed goals disallowed. But the visitors defended gallantly and held out for a well-earned win.

Barnston will now play at home against the University of Essex in the next round of the Kent Blaxhill Essex and Suffolk border league cup on October 2.

This Saturday they play away at Clacton. Kick off is at 3pm.

- Barnston reserves did not have the same success however. The second string conceded two early goals and eventually went down 4-0 at home to Gosfield United.

Pictured – Johnny Redgers played for the reserves on Saturday