Eagles’ wings clipped as Rovers claim victory

Barton had Richard Wilmot, Paul Andrews, Liam McDevitt, Ricky Case, Ash Grinham, Pete Duffy and Nat Peacock all missing from their 19-man squad, who all played a part, showing the strength in depth they have at their disposal this season.

Payne’s goal was an excellent floated finish from some 35 yards and their second came a minute from time when Jonny McNamara pressured the Eagles into a mistake and Baffo muscled past his man and outpaced the Bedford defence to score.

Manager Dan Kennoy said: “I’m going to have to make some very tough decisions in the coming week.

“We have some very good players that will not make the first team squad come a week Saturday.

“That’s not to say we don’t want them involved, it’s just simple mathematics, we can only name 16 players in a squad on a Saturday.

“We’ve made it clear to each of them though that to sustain a strong league campaign from start to finish you need strength in depth to cope with injuries, suspensions, work commitments, holidays etc. Over the course of the season every one of the first team squad will play a part in what hopefully will be a successful season.

“We have a tough test away at Ryman Division One side Ilford on Saturday and then a great game on Monday night at Sharpenhoe Road, against what will inevitably be a young Watford side. Nevertheless it’ll be a great workout against players that train every day ahead of our league opener at home against Chertsey on Saturday, August 18.”

A gate of over 100 gathered and they will be hoping for even more against Watford, kick-off 7.45pm. This Saturday the reserves are at London Lions.

Kennoy had rolled back the years on Saturday to score Barton’s second in a 2-0 win against Cogenhoe. Jermaine Hall had given them the lead midway through the first half and with all their subs used, Kennoy dusted off his boots to score their second.