This was undoubtably going to be Barns toughest game of the season playing away to newly crowned Champions Bricklayers Arms who had an almost perfect season losing only once at the hands of Ladybarn and drawing with Urmston Meadowside.

From the 1st whistle it was clear to see that Bricklayers season had been no fluke with sharp, short passing and excellent movement on & off the ball. This was causing Ladybarn problems but it was a long ball over the top that bounced awkwardly for Platt to gather and Bricklayers forward headed past him to give the champions the early lead.

From Bricklayers taking the lead Ladybarn went on to create some half chances with Dave Howard racing onto a through ball to go 1 on 1 only for Lukeman to get involved in the move from an offside position. Another through ball this time saw Lukeman clearly beat Bricklayers keeper to the ball only to be bought down but according to the ref no penalty. A poor decision that could have seen Ladybarn get a foothold in the game.

Bricklayers were the next to register with their good movement still causing Barn problems a ball in behind the back 4 saw the impressive Bricklayers number 17 who will surely be named the leagues player of the season square the ball for Bricklayers number 8 to fire his second of the game past Platt. 2-0 Bricklayers at half-time.

The second half of the game was played in much the same fashion as the 1st with Ladybarn still struggling but defending well in spells. Bricklayers added to their lead again through number 8 who completed his hattrick on 52 minutes and then managed to grab another on 65 minutes as Potter was disposessed on the edge of the area allowing Bricklayers forward to 1st round Platt & then Cloran before tapping into an empty net. Barns only really chances of note in the second half came from Malik who managed to strike the Bricklayers bar and Kerr who struck a good shot but unfortunately maybe lacking enough power to take it past Bricklayers keeper.

This was a game which was never going to be easy as Bricklayers knew not to take us lightly after the home fixture but with Longhey beating Washway Celtic 3-2 as Barn were losing out to the Champions this means that only Altrincham Hale could beat us to 4th on goal difference but they would have to beat Urmston Meadowside on Sunday to do so.

Barns last game of the season is at home to FC Navigation who Barn have lost out to 3 time this season however they have never played Barn at the fortress that is Manor Avenue so could Barn grab the point or even all 3 to secure 4th?! only time will tell...

LADYBARN

Platt

George

Potter

Gilmartin

Cloran

Swain

Rimmer

Kerr

Starkey

Howard

Lukeman