Barton Rovers shock leaders Dunstable Town in crucial Bedfordshire derby

Barton Rovers emerged victorious from their long-awaited Bedfordshire derby on Tuesday night as they beat Calor Southern League Division One Central leaders Dunstable Town 2-0 at Sharpenhoe Road.

Rovers’ first home game in 58 days produced a cracking fixture as a goal in each half by Joe Reynolds (43) and sub Rob Hastings (80) settled an attacking-minded encounter as Rovers maintained their play-off challenge.

Barton boss Dan Kennoy said: “We were solid this evening, there had been some criticism of Barton from the Dunstable fans on social media and that fired us up even more.

“The staff at Barton worked wonders to get the pitch back right again and this win is credit to them all.

“We go again at home on Saturday against Marlow and need to keep the same team spirit going.

“It’s been difficult with the stop-start games, but the lads are a great bunch who want to succeed.

“I could not fault any of them last night they did more then we asked of them for the 90 minutes.”

Rovers made two changes to the line-up that beat Arlesey Town away the previous week in the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy, with Jermaine Hall and Rhys Hoenes replacing Bobby Dance and Billal Hassan.

An increasing wind made precise play difficult, but Dunstable crafted some good moves early on as fine shots by Chris Marsh and BJ Christie drew fine saves from Barton keeper Kyle Forster.

At the other end Rhys Hoenes and Liam Mcdevitt had half-chances which were snuffed out by a solid Dunstable defence.

Hotshot Dunstable striker Lee Roache was proving a real handful, but was well marshalled by Barton’s back four who didn’t miss a beat all evening.

And the hosts took the lead just before the break when the ball was floated in and Reynolds headed home.

A Dunstable responded failed to materialise in the second half and, with the visitors chasing the game, play opened up.

Liam Mcdevitt should have extended the lead on 53 minutes when through on goal but fired well over, while Forster pulled off a point-blank save to deny Roache and keep Barton’s slender lead intact.

Level-headed Barton then sealed victory with 10 minutes to go when Hall stretched Town’s defence and crossed for Hastings, making his debut from the bench.

He forced a fine save from Jamie Head but pounced on the rebound to force the ball home.

Rovers then snuffed out some late pressure, including clearing one effort of the line, as they claimed a great derby victory.

This Saturday Rovers host Marlow and Dunstable entertain Egham Town, while on Tuesday Barton are at home to Beaconsfield SYCOB and Town go to Potters Bar Town.

Blues: Kyle Forster, Liam McDevitt, Kyle Lincoln, Peter Gatts, Paul Andrews, captain, Kev Kilroy, Joseph Reynolds, Luke Knight, Jermaine Hall, Ricky Case, Rhys Hoenes. Substitutes: Rob Hastings, Bilal Hassan, Bobby Dance, Niran Vaughan, Stevie Thomas.

Blues: Jamie Head, Danny Hutchins, Danny Murphy, Marc Leach, Joseph Bruce, Moses Olaleye (C), Adam Watkins, Bernard Christie, Lee Roach, Terry Dixon, Christopher Marsh. Substitutes used: Tony Burnett, Leon Cashman, Taishan Griffith. Substitutes not used: Tony Fontanelle.

Referee: Tim Donnellan.

Assistant Referees: Jack Bloxham and Vincenzo Dyall.

Star Barton Man: Kyle Forster.

Star Dunstable Man: Lee Roache.

Attendance: 128.