Rovers too strong for AFC Hayes

AFC went closest early on as Richard Fox-James hit the post, but Rovers regained the initiative as Alex Condon’s shot was parried.

Barton had the lead on 13 minutes though Nat Peacock latched on to a rebound from Keshi Anderson’s effort to tap home the opener from close range.

Hayes came back at the hosts and were level on 20 minutes when George Ehui fired a tame shot from 40 yards that deceived everyone and Kyle Forster in the home goal statically watched the net ripple.

Rovers were spurned on by this and played some decent passing football throughout the team.

Their reward came when a far post header from Paul Andrews put them back in front after 36 minutes.

Further efforts from Anderson and Tony Burnett were wide as the hosts led 2-1 at half time.

The second period started brightly for Rovers who were in control of the game and further extended their lead on 56 minutes when a scramble in the 18 yard box allowed Burnett to fire home.

Barton: Forster, Lee, Condon, Gatti, Andrews, Kilroy, Peters, Reynolds, Peacock, Anderson, Burnett.

Subs: Brown, Hassan, Terry, Vincent, Ottaway.