2026 opened up on the road for Barwell, a trip to the league leaders Spalding United, a difficult start to the new year as the home side ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

A goal on the stroke of half-time by former pro Liam Moore followed by two second half strikes by Josh McCammon and Yusifu Ceesay condemned Barwell to defeat in the bitter cold.

An even opening period could have given the away support some hope of a good result, Barwell limiting the hosts to a few wayward crosses until the 18th minute, when a corner fell kindly to their striker at the back post but his effort was superbly cleared off the line by Malakai Reeve.

Another chance came soon after for Spalding, beating the offside trap to break in behind but Finn Osborn made himself big to make a good save.

Deep into first half stoppage time Spalding found a deserved breakthrough, a corner which resulted in a goalmouth scramble where Barwell somehow couldn’t clear their lines and Spalding captain Liam Moore smashed home from close range.

HT: Spalding 1-0 Barwell

A quick start for Barwell once again could have given the supporters hope, two early penalty shouts in quick succession in the 52nd minute the reason. The first was for a late trip on Kane Richards and the second for a push on Jevin Seaton, the latter being the stronger appeal of the two.

Spalding regained dominance soon after however, putting the ball in the back of the net on 56 minutes but the linesman's flag rescued Barwell. The relief would be short lived though, three minutes later they doubled their lead for sure this time, a mistake at the back saw Josh McCammon tap home from close range.

Barwell made their first three changes in the 63rd and 71st minutes respectively Malakai Reeve, Isaiah Osbourne and Tyrell Waite being replaced by Sidik Atcha, Sonny Singh and Anthony Dwyer.

A good spell followed for Barwell following the subs, first a short corner routine between Tyree Wilson and Richards saw the Barwell captain felled in the box once again, but like last time the referee waved away any appeals. Then, substitute Atcha delivered a dangerous low ball on 74 minutes but nobody from the Canaries gambled and the keeper collected.

Spalding had a third just 2 minutes later, Yusifu Ceesay was given far too much space to cut inside and curl his effort into the back of the net, via a wicked deflection off Barwell keeper Osborn. A fourth and final Barwell change came right after, Richards being replaced by Ryan Hayes.

A final chance came for Barwell in the 89th minute, good work from Wilson found Dwyer on the edge of the box but his shot was routine for the home keeper.

FT: Spalding 3-0 Barwell