Barton Rovers snatch first win

TEN-MAN Barton Rovers picked up their first Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central win of the season with a gritty display against Woodford United on Tuesday night.

Rovers had suffered three straight defeats going into the game, the latest a 3-1 loss at Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday, and went behind in only the second minute after a looping header from Ricky Johnson.

The goal inspired Barton though as George Brinkman and Colm Keirans went close before Sam Spencer’s free-kick was brilliantly saved by Matt Findlay.

Dan Kennoy’s side equalised on 25 minutes though when Peter Duffy’s cross was headed home from close range by Brinkman.

On the stroke of half time, winger Ricky Case received his marching orders for an off the ball incident as Barton had to play the second 45 minutes with just 10 men.

Despite some early Woodford pressure, Rovers remained on level terms and, after forcing seven consecutive corners, finally went in front as Liam McDevitt prodded home.

A barrage of long balls was well dealt with by Paul Andrews and Andrew Iwediuno as Barton held out for a long overdue win.

Kennoy said: “It would have been nice to have this feeling on the first day of the season instead of four games in.

“I’m disappointed in Ricky, it was a needless sending off, but the rest of the lads showed in their second half performance they were willing to dig Ricky out of a hole.

“I think that shows what we are about; we have a great team ethic in our dressing room.”

Rovers face a tough away trip to high-flying Rugby Town on Saturday before hosting big-spending St Neots Town on Bank Holiday Monday, kick off 7.45pm at Sharpenhoe Road.