Barnell's game-winning goal arrived against the run of play in the 17th minute and a goalless second-half followed.

New signings Ben Allsop, Jayden Cotterill, Ryley D’Sena, Ethan Hulley and James Taylor all made their competitive debuts for the club while Evan Garnett made an appearance from the bench after the restart.

Long Eaton looked lively in the opening minutes but it was Wellingborough Town who found the breakthrough goal when Doughboys midfielder Barnell picked out the top corner with a spectacular effort from distance to fire the hosts in front.

Long Eaton had a great chance to level things moments later, Ethan Hulley’s cross dropped to Owen Betts at the back post but Brett Solkhon denied the defender's attempt at equalising with a goal line clearance.

In the second-half, Hulley saw a chance of his own cleared off the line by Ben Garwood after a slick through ball from Callum Cocks played the winger through on goal.

Allsop made a big save at his near post to deny Wellingborough forward Will Jones late on and the match ended in defeat despite Long Eaton United's best efforts in the final minutes.