Whilst the FC team powered to a comfortable 3-1 win against a resolute Barton side, the real heroes of the night were the staff and volunteers who helped to get this game on. Their great work was rewarded by the referee, another person who should take great credit, in letting the game go ahead.

Kyle Anthony was a victim of the conditions within the first minute. His attempted back pass to James Weatherill stuck in the mud and the FC keeper had to scamper from his goal to clear. From then on it was a case of kick into touch if under pressure! A Ben Stevens flicked header on four minutes went narrowly wide and a few moments later Brian Haule was also unlucky as his goalbound header was blocked.

Joe Reynolds enjoyed a fine game for the visitors and his low shot zipped just past the post but this was just the prelude to FC’s opener on 10 minutes. Kieron Schmidt beat the advancing away keeper Kyle Forster to the ball and the midfielder confidently slid the ball into the bottom corner for 1-0. A Lynton Goss cross shot could have brought dividends if team mates had been more alert and this was brought into contrast as FC were made to pay on 24 minutes with Ashton Grant neatly side footing home a left wing cross to level the scores.

Kieron Schmidt attempted to restore the lead with a shot over the bar before Lynton Goss went on a mazy run ending with a half decent shot that Forster gathered at his near post. George Ironton replied at the other end with Weatherill just saving from his stinging shot.

FC’s lead was regained on 32 minutes. Gareth Price powered into the box and as he attempted to round the keeper, Forster took out the Aylesbury striker. Perhaps due to the conditions, referee Mr Richardson opted against a card or worse but Forster was made to pay as Brian Haule calmly stroked the ball home despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.

In the search for a second equaliser Alex Condon hit the bar with a cross shot on 36 minutes and then Warren Plowright had a golden chance to equalise but could only blast wide from all of 8 yards when concentration and precision was called for. Barton’s failure to grab that second leveller was punished when FC made it 3-1 just before half time. A wonderful through ball by Brian Haule found Gareth Price and as the keeper advanced, Gareth slotted the ball past Forster with his effort just sneaking in the far post.

The second half began with Barton’s Reynolds unlucky to see a shot cleared from the FC line and then teammate Lucas Perry played in a dangerous cross which none of his team mates were alert to. Alex Condon hit a long range free kick as the visitors looked to drag themselves back into the match. This opening period of the half was all Barton but the defensive line led by Ben Stevens, a man who thrives in these muddy conditions, held firm.

FC weathered the storm and should possibly have extended their lead in the last few minutes of the game. Firstly Rob Tomlin hit a spectacular effort which beat the keeper only to crash against the bar. Alex O’Brien forced James Weatherill into an outstanding save as the minutes ticked down but in truth this was a rare foray. Substitute Terry Dixon forced Forster into an excellent low save and then a Gareth Price effort was bravely blocked by on rushing defenders.

At the end FC had done enough and at the final whistle, supporters gave warm applause to both teams and to the referee for such sterling efforts.