The first round of the Mid Lincs Cup has us travel away to play the respectful Retford. We have a fully fit squad available for the tie, but Retford are not as lucky as they can only field a team of 10 lads due to injury and illness. The official match referee fails to show, so Mark Jessop kindly volunteers to do the honours. Ian, Kyle Scott and Josh White start today’s game as subs. The game kicks off and after a steady start we take an early lead after only 3 minutes, after initial good work and a cross by Jack f is slotted into the Retford goal by the persistent and alert Ben W. 0-1. Retford kick off and immediately put us under pressure but an excellent tackle and clearance by Ross ensures the danger is halted. Further good defending by our stand in right back, Ryan, ensured we keep it tight at the back. In mid field Alex and Jack Mc are linking up well, and are spreading the ball out well to our flanks. Ben then has a snap shot that is just wide of the far post. Our link up play and pressure is working well and on 15 minutes we score a peach of a goal. Curtis collects the ball deep in his own half, he then thumps a 30 meter pass to Jack F who fires in a perfect cross which Ben W is alert to and heads an unstoppable goal. 0-2. Retford again restart the game and attack us again, this time Oliver reads the danger and makes an excellent interception and clearance. Nathan has to keep on his toes and is alert to come and collect a dangerous Retford through ball. With good Barrowby performances all over the pitch, we are looking well disciplined and organised to deal with the continued Retford threat. We go into half time with a well deserved 2-0 lead. Second Half. The second half kicks off and the passage of play continues much as the first half has ended. Kyle E and Oliver are dominant in the centre of defence. Josh W is now on and is reading the game well and makes an excellent interception. Kyle Scott is working hard and covering a lot of ground. Nathan too is alert and is called upon to make another good save. With continued pressure of the ball we create another chance, when Ian picks the ball up and plays an excellent through pass for Ben W to run onto, Ben uses his strength well and calmly slots the ball under the diving keeper for his well deserved hatrick. 0-3. Even a 3-0, we have to maintain our concentration, the 10 lads for Retford have all put in a good shift for their manager and are still competing well. Retford press forward in the last quarter but Josh Kelham is alert and makes a good tackle. Retford not yet done attack again and this time have a one on one with Nathan, the striker shoots, Nathan makes an excellent save, but the ball is loose in the box, but Kyle E is on had to make an excellent goal mouth clearance. Our defence has looked very secure today, and with good link up play between all the lads in all areas it has been a good Team Performance and one that sees us through to the second round of the cup. Match Summary, for a team with new personnel and players being asked to do slightly different roles, the start of this new season is most pleasing. With continued development we can go on and have an excellent season this year. Well done to all of you. Today’s "Howard" (MOM) Ryan for his excellent performance in the right back position. His timely tackles and use of the ball was excellent all day. This Weeks Joke is, if you have a referee in football, what do you have in bowls? ----Cornflakes of course!!!!. All the best Ian G.