Barton United’s return to Holland Sports Club proved to be successful as they recorded a 5-2 victory to complete a double over Enville Athletic for the season and help first team manager Greg Smith sign off with a win as he leaves for pastures new.
The game kicked off at a frenetic pass with the visitors boldly lining up in a 3-4-3 formation that caused the home defence some early frights due to the number of players committing to every attack.
But Barton soon adapted to their opponents system and began to find some joy down the flanks with Swinfield and Barton particularly impressive driving at pace into the spaces left by their attacking opponents.
The first goal wasn’t long in coming as Martin rounded off an excellent break for the home side with a smart close range finish.
The second came at a heightened period of pressure as the midfield run of Jackson was picked out by a direct ball from the back, with the midfielder killing the ball instantly before dispatching it past the on rushing Enville goalkeeper.
Barton got to the break 3-0 up after Martin dispatched a ball across the box into the top corner via the post for his 15th goal of the season.
The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with the away team pressing the Barton defence back, which on this occasion broke following a goalmouth scramble which eventually saw Williams put through his own net.
Swinfield was withdrawn shortly after the break with an ankle knock and it wasn’t long before his replacement Dade found himself on the scoresheet following in a shot from Hunt that could only be parried into his path for a simple tap in to restore the three goal advantage.
Enville again came back and were rewarded with a second goal following incisive play through the middle.
As Barton began to get back on top in the game, the influential three central midfielders again combined well to create several clear cut chances to seal the game with a fifth goal. It was eventually Hunt who took matters into his own hands picking the ball up from an Enville midfielder before taking on three defenders and cutting into the area to slot cooly into the bottom corner to for a fine solo goal.
With the Enville resolve finally broken Barton were able to see the game out and collect a vital three points with nine league games now left to play.
Elsewhere, Barton United Reserves beat The Blacksmiths in the Burton and District FA Memorial Vase, 2-1 with goals from Luke Williams and Ant Warrington.