Red card helps Barton Rovers to comfortable victory

For more than half an hour, a gusting wind was the only winner, with neither side able to master its vagaries.

But then a rash, attempted tackle by Didcot left-back Cameron McNeill on Rovers captain Victor Osubu led to him seeing a straight red, and the home side went on to take full advantage of their weakened opponents, who are struggling near the bottom of the table.

Just six minutes later, Rovers took the lead when left-back Ty Ward made a darting run and, from the byline, he cut the ball back for unmarked striker Connor Vincent, pictured, who stroked home.

The second half had barely begun when Rovers doubled their lead. Midfielder Nathan Tshikuna’s fine through ball found left-winger Connor Furlong shooting clear of the defence, and he kept his cool to slide under diving ‘keeper Leigh Bedwell.

Maximising their man-advantage, Rovers took the game to Didcot and, with more luck and composure, they might have added to their tally.

Man-of-the-match Charlie Smith and Osobu both shot over the bar when it looked easier to at least call Bedwell into action, and substitute Keanu Williams almost got on the scoresheet twice in the closing stages when his efforts were saved.

It was not a game anyone attending will remember with relish but, nevertheless, three more league points in the bag for mid-table Rovers and a double over Didcot.

ROVERS LINE-UP -- Cooper, Jibodu, Ward, Smith, Thomas, Phelan, Osobu, Dummett (Carey-Morrell 77), Vincent (Williams 65), Tshikuna (Capela 84), Furlong.