Rovers are too strong for Ashford

The hosts should have opened the scoring after 20 minutes through Keshi Anderson on his full first team debut, but he hit the post.

Stevie Thomas, another player getting his first league start, sent a free header wide, before he did openg the scoring on 37 minutes, smashing home from close range.

After the break, Rovers had an early chance on 47 minutes as Joe Reynolds skimmed the post with a free-kick just outside the penalty area.

Rovers introduced Jermaine Hall from the bench after 60 minutes and within five minutes the in-form striker had doubled Rovers lead slotting home from inside the six yard box.

Barton travel to Northwood this weekend and host Dunstable Town on Tuesday and ahead of the Dunstable match, boss Dan Kennoy said: “It will be a Christmas cracker. Both sides are riding high and full of confidence at the moment.

“Our players know their players and vice versa, that’s what you get with a local derby.

“With us both at the top end of the table it adds that extra bit of spice to it.”