Rovers held by play-off rivals Eagles

Tommy Smith in action for Barton against Bedford on Saturday - pic: June Essex

Barton Rovers had to settle for a point at neighbours Bedford Town on Saturday after they conceded an equaliser with eight minutes remaining.

In a crucial game for both play-off chasers, Barton were by far the better side in the first half and should have put more than the solitary strike they scored, but for their wastefulness in front of goal.

Michael Malcolm’s deft lob put the visitors in front on 11 minutes, only for Connor Calcutt, Elliott Bailey and Malcolm himself to miss decent chances of making it 2-0.

Lee Close keeps tabs on his opponent during Barton's 1-1 draw at Bedford

Rovers did have let-off before the break though when a fierce Ryan Auger free kick hit the post.

In the second period, the hosts gained a foothold after the break and as the game swayed back and forth.

Bailey had a clear sight of goal only to be dispossessed at the moment, while Lee Close’s effort was saved and Calcutt saw two headers go wide of the mark.

However, on 82 minutes, Bedford’s danger man Lee Roach popped up and slotted home part the diving Tom Coulton to make it 1-1.

Calcutt should have nicked it with the last action of the game but he agonisingly watched Enol Ordenez-Suarez claw his header with a remarkable fingertip save.

Although slightly disappointed not to win, the result kept Rovers third in the table, five points clear of sixth-placed Kempston Rovers, with 10 matches left.

Barton start a run of three games at Sharpenhoe Road, as they host Ashford Town on Saturday.