Barton 'bollocking' after 4-0 win

As Guilsfield look to launch their Welsh Cup campaign with a tricky tie at Penrhyncoch tomorrow (Saturday) manager Mike Barton has revealed that his players received a ‘damn good bollocking’ despite beating Technogroup Welshpool 4-0 in midweek.

A late hat-trick from Graham Dyke flattered the Guils, who needed a number of smart second half saves from Dave Maguire – including one from the spot – to stay in front in the local derby.

And rather than breathe a sigh of relief after overcoming their near neighbours, Barton ripped into his chargers.

“I felt it wasn’t good enough overall,” he said. “The lads had a damn good bollocking at half time and then another at the final whistle. We have got a long way to go this season and there is a lot of competition for places so the players have to be at 100 per cent every minute of every game.”

That competition for places is forcing Barton to play a diplomatic role with his 18-man squad.

“It is a difficult job to keep the players happy. We have a lot of quality in the squad and understandably players want to play. Graham Dyke responded superbly to being on the bench by coming on and scoring a hat-trick inside seven minutes. I can’t leave him out this weekend so who makes way? Players need to know that no shirt is a safe shirt as there is competition for places all across the team.”