Hull nets later leveller as Barton begin season with a draw

Captain Tommy Hull rescued an opening day point for Barton Rovers as his 89th-minute equaliser earned them a 1-1 home draw against Uxbridge in Calor Southern League Division One Central on Saturday.

Manager Dan Kennoy said: “I think we deserved a point at least. Uxbridge will feel hard done by, but we controlled 60 per cent of the game and we worked to the bitter end to get what we think was the least we deserved.

“We weren’t at our best today we know that, the lads know that. We have had a good pre-season, but it’s been disrupted with loads of injuries and you can tell today which players have suffered with those injuries.”

“Although we are disappointed it may turn out to be a valuable point, I’m sure Uxbridge will go to many other clubs this season and take more than two points off of them and we are a point closer to our target this season.”

Having started the brighter of the two teams, Rovers controlled possession and territory against a team that finished above them in the league last season, and the early signs were that Rovers had moved forward over the summer.

Jermaine Hall was presented with the best of the opportunities in the opening 20 minutes although could not direct a cross goalwards.

Uxbridge had their spell as half time approached, although Rovers keeper Kyle Forster was free of any danger before the break.

Rovers raised the tempo in the second half but were caught out after a quick break from Uxbridge.

Man of the match Hull was penalised for a foul in the box and Kieran Knight sent Forster the wrong way to give Uxbridge the lead after 57 minutes.

Substitutes Keshi Anderson, Lee Wilson and James Edgerley were all introduced in a bid to get Rovers back into the game.

Ricky Case was pushed further forward and had a great opportunity to level but saw his effort saved, while Anderson was also denied.

Rovers found another gear and peppered the visitors goal and finally got a deserved qualiser when Hull glanced home Edgerley’s superb cross with just a minute to go.

Tonight (Tuesday) Barton go to Kettering Town, head to Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday and entertain Leighton Town in a Bedfordshire derby on Monday.

Meanwhile, Rovers will face Ampthill Town in the FA Cup following their 3-2 Extra Preliminary Round victory at Holmer Green.