Barwell 3-0 Long Eaton United

George Ward scored the opener for the hosts and second-half efforts from Tristan Dunkley and Leroy Lita wrapped up a win on home turf for Barwell.

Brad Munn made three changes to the starting XI on Easter Monday. In goal Jason Alexander made his debut while Jack Rogers returned to the midfield alongside Liam Loughlan and Cieron Keane took the captain's armband in Ross Durrant's absence.

Long Eaton had an energetic start to the match with Liam Loughlan, Nathan Tyson and Jack Rogers leading the breakaways on the right flank.

However, it was Barwell who took the lead in the 20th minute when Ward headed the ball home from a corner kick.

With half-and-hour played Long Eaton almost found a way back into the match when an indirect free-kick was awarded to The Blues following a back-pass in the six-yard box. Nathan Tyson teed up the ball for Keane to strike but the midfielder’s effort rattled the crossbar and went behind for a Barwell goal-kick.

As the half came to a close Luke Martin and Joe Nyahwema had half chances from wide areas which failed to threaten the hosts goal.

Barwell had a strong start to the second half and Alexander was called into action shortly after the restart, this time the debutant keeper pushed an effort wide at the far post to deny Leroy Lita.

Moments later Barwell found their second of the match, this time Dunkley slotted the ball past Alexander to double the host’s lead.

With 20 minutes left to play Ethan Hill played in a dangerous cross which Lita headed into the top corner to score Barwell’s third of the afternoon.

Hill almost had a great chance of his own to score in the final minutes of the match as he raced through on goal down the left wing — although Alexander sprinted out of his area and brought an end to the attack with a well-timed slide tackle.