Dunkley sinks the Puritans as ten-men Barwell edge it

Tristan Dunkley hit the winner as ten-men Barwell beat Banbury United on New Year’s Day.
Banbury United boss Mike Ford saw his side slip up at BarwellBanbury United boss Mike Ford saw his side slip up at Barwell
Banbury United boss Mike Ford saw his side slip up at Barwell

Barwell came from behind to beat the Puritans 2-1 in Wednesday’s BetVictor Southern League clash. Ravi Shamsi gave United the early lead in the Premier Central fixture but Tolani Omotola equalised before the break and Dunkley hit the second half winner.

The home side had problems containing Morgan Roberts, who set up United’s goal in the 15th minute when he sent in a pin-point cross which left Shamsi with the simple task of side-footing home from two yards.

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Five minutes later Barwell should have equalised when Omotola capitalised on a defensive mistake to race forward unchallenged towards goal but shot wide with only Jack Harding to beat. United lost Lee Henderson through injury and they to re-organise at the back.

The turning point in the game came in the 30th minute when Pablo Haysham was felled by Micah Edwards who got a straight red card. But Barwell, despite being down to ten men, took control of the midfield.

In the 36th minute, Jac Edwards was brought down in the area and Omotola placed the spot-kick past Harding.

In the second-half Shamsi had a golden chance to put United back in front but he headed wide from six yards.

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In the 61st minute, Harding gave the ball away and Dunkley lobbed the stranded keeper from 25 yards.

United had two late chances to get something out of the game. Roberts fluffed his shot and a superb cross from Kynan Isaac went begging with no-one on hand to convert.