Six first-teamers were given a run-out with Pete Davidson, Fatlum Ibrahimi, Jason Mycoe, Liam Shepherd, Piteu Crouz and Marcel Chigumira all handed starts against the NCEL outfit.

The young looking Brewers started the pre-season contest very positively dominating possession and zipping it about confidently.

It took just eight minutes to break the deadlock as promising full-back Harry Sheppeard went on one of his trademark marauding runs all the way into the penalty area before deadly striker Sean Hunter controlled and drove into the bottom corner.

Shortly after, Piteu Crouz curled a free-kick around the wall and into the side-netting but it was the home side who scored the second goal of the friendly.

One long diagonal ball from left to right caused problems with Tom Waudby helping over the advancing Nick Lock.

As the heavens opened and the rain lashed down, both sides had two good efforts at goal to see out the half.

Barton struck fiercely onto the roof of the net before Fatlum Ibrahimi forced Robert Zand into making a good save down low to his right.

Four minutes into the second forty five and the home side nudged in front for the first time. A lively substitute who looked no taller than 5'0, drove down the left and crossed for Tom Elliot to turn into the net.

Taddy continued to push and probe for an equaliser in the torrential rain and sub Jack Simpson thought he'd found it as his close range shot deflected inches wide of the left-hand upright.

However thirteen minutes from time James Nichols put Barton further in front after a missed clearance at the back allowed the forward to tap in.

Chances were aplenty for both sides and the two final clear cut opportunities came in the final few minutes.

Nichols raced clean through for the home side but could only hit the face of the post. The Brewers flew up the other end with speedster Jack Simpson but after a powerful run his poked effort from a tight angle went inches wide.

Full-Time: Barton Town Old Boys 3-1 Taddy

Team: Lock, Sheppeard, Shepherd, Holmes, Dunnett, Davidson, Mycoe (c), Chigumira, Crouz, Ibrahimi, Hunter

Subs (all used): Chimalilo, Kral, Savage, Wintie, Barber, Simpson