Millwey Rise were well beaten by Barrington, going down 5-1 at home, writes Dick Sturch.

This table-topping game was really over in the first fifteen minutes by which time the visitors were three goals to the good.

Millwey just didn’t get started and Barrington swept through their defence with consummate ease. By the time the home side got back into the game the damage had been done but then, to make matters worse, central defender Stuart King left the field after aggravating a head injury. Mark Pike eventually gave Millwey’s supporters hope of turning the game around when just on half time he placed a shot past the Barrington keeper.

The second half had only just begun when striker Leo Macguire was injured in a tackle and had to be replaced. This depleted the home side’s attack, already stretched by Sam Dibling’s recent move to play for Axminster and ongoing injury to Joel Seward. Play became more fragmented with Millwey’s back four working hard to stem the Barrington onslaught. Nathan Hoole in goal made some vital interceptions but could do nothing to prevent Barrington scoring twice more. Matt and Haydn Lewis worked hard in defence and Shane Featherstone attempted to bring some cohesion to the mid field. Mark Pike ploughed a lone furrow in attack without any further success against a resolute Barrington defence. What is not helping Millwey Rise first team is the infrequency of fixtures, having played only one game in the last four weeks and without another until February 21.

To add to a dismal day Millwey Rise Reserves lost 8-2 away to table topping Chard United Reserves in Division Three.

This Saturday (February 7), Millwey Rise Reserves play South Petherton Reserves at Cloakham Lawns with kick-off being 2.30pm.

It was also announced this week that sadly, Henry Trenchard, a founder member and player for Millwey Rise FC had passed away and a minutes silence was observed in his memory at Cloakham Lawns.