Brigg Blog sends its congratulations to long-serving Barnetby United football manager Lee Fielden who reached a personal milestone as a club official and also came out of playing retirement yesterday (Saturday, May 8).
'Leeroy' is pictured above, on the right, receiving a celebratory gift of the liquid variety from another well-known local football personality, Neil Johnson.
MERRICK AT THE DOUBLE AS RAILWAYMEN EDGE 7-GOAL THRILLER
George Merrick’s second half headed brace sealed a long overdue and welcome 4-3 victory for Barnetby United against Ashby Bowl at Scawby in manager Lee's 550th game in charge.
Neither side had a chance of reaching the play-offs but did have the unenviable option of finishing bottom of the end of season competition group.
Again The Railwaymen had selection problems and manager Fielden found himself custodian of the Barnetby goal for the first time in over four years.
Barnetby started the brighter and Cameron Hill fired them into the lead with his 141st goal for the club. Ashby hit back straight away and Fielden had to fingertip a deflected effort wide for a corner. A thumping header from the resulting set piece from Steve Broughton saw Ashby level.
Barnetby went again and a huge goal kick by Merrick was helped on by Greaves in the midfield and O’Callaghan was sent clear. He drew the keeper and was promptly brought down for a penalty. Dan Greaves was coolness personified as he stroked the ball home to restore Barnetby’s lead.
Broughton could have levelled again for Ashby on the stroke off half-time but a stunning reflex save from Fielden at his near post kept his side in the lead.
Ashby started the 2nd half much the brighter and bombarded the Barnetby goal, but Gunn and Merrick at centre half stood firm. Behind them Fielden was somehow keeping Ashby out, that was until Thomas Blain smashed home Ashby’s second equaliser.
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| Action from yesterday's Ashby Bowl v Barnetby United match at Scawby, with United in the black and white kit. |
Frankish replaced the injured Brackenbury and was sent clear down the right-hand side only to be scythed down. Greaves sent in a deep far post cross which Merrick met to once again restore Barnetby’s lead. Frankish then had a glorious chance to make it 4-2 when O’Callaghan sent him through but the Ashby keeper pulled off a great save.
Ashby would not lie down and a foolish free kick given away on the edge of their own box saw Barnetby facing a Harry Smith free kick. He left Fielden rooted to the spot and remarkably Ashby drew level for a 3rd time.
Forrest was now gaining ground down the left as Barnetby pushed for a winner. With 3 minutes remaining they won a free kick which O’Callaghan delivered onto the head of the on rushing Merrick and Barnetby took the lead for the 4th time.
This time they held on to round out 2020-21 with a win.
Final mini-league tables below kindly supplied by Paul Birkitt, fixtures secretary of the EC Surfacing Ltd Scunthorpe & District Football League which is sponsored by a Brigg company.
