Barnstoneworth Athletic overcame adversity and the conditions to record a win over a resurgent Kinross 3^rd XI at Wolaroi on Saturday.

Barnstoneworth nearly paid dearly for the decision to drop four players for disciplinary reasons during the week. The decision meant that they played the entire first half with only nine players and at one stage were down 3-1.

"Look, some may have thought it was a drastic step but these guys need to know when you play at such an elite level you need to show utter professionalism. Families will be there at the end of the season but the trophies will not if we don't perform" said an exasperated manager Ewan Powell.

Things were looking good when Damian Priest slotted home a fine shot early but Barnies appeared to think they had it won. Fine strikes from Zhu, Chung and Haroldson left the visitors reeling against the usually struggling students. They in turn had a spring in their step and the passes were finding their targets.

Many of the Barnies faithful were questioning the midweek decision and many heckles could be heard from the red and white army.

The hoped for professionalism finally peeked its way through the murk of the spiteful day and another goal to Barnies and a penalty converted by Chris Jacobs saw them on the way.

4-3 at half time and things were a little more comfortable. The injection of Phil Grant into the backline, as he flew in from national duties, inspired the team to a semblance form and another goal was added within seconds of the restart.

Five more unanswered goals saw the leading goalscorers race heat up with Priest getting four to take his tally to eight but Jacobs just keeping ahead on nine thanks to his two.

"We've been playing well lately and this was always a danger game for us. The ones we are expected to win always are. I was worried at 1-3 but they showed character today and with a little more luck we could be competing for a playoff birth. Still there's always next year" said Powell. One wonders whether Powell will hold his place beyond this season.