Rovers defeated in play-off final

Barton Rovers saw their dreams of promotion to the Southern League Premier Division dashed on Monday, as they lost the play-off final 2-0 at Bedworth United.

In front of a 919-strong crowd, Rovers were aiming to win promotion to step three football for the first time in their 117 year history.

The opening 10 minutes were tense with Barton finding their feet on Bedworths new 3G surface.

Connor Vincent broke free of his marker and saw his shot parried by Denham Hinds, with defender Mark Albrighton just beating Tuki Tayali to the rebound.

Kev Kilroy then fored over, before he drew a superb save from Hinds, who repelled his 20-yard free kick.

At the other end, Barton keeper Kyle Forster mopped up a Luke Rowe effort with ease although he was forced into an acrobatic stop from Alex Naughton.

After the break, Hinds again stood in Barton’s way of an opening goal with a fine save from Kilroy.

Forster was then twice called into action, firstly from an Alex Naughton shot and then an Albrighton header.

However, Rovers’ hopes of promotion were extinguished in the 83rd minute when a break down in play in midfield saw Naughton put clear and he made no mistake, calmly slotting past Forster.

Three minutes later and it was all over as a cracking volley from Luke Rowe gave Forster no chance.

Afterwards, joint manager Richard Wilmot said: “The lads played their hearts out, not one could be faulted.

“Bedworth won the game with two great goals and they deserved to be promoted.

“We competed equally with them for 83 minutes and in spells were on top.

“We needed to capitalise on one of our early chances but that’s football.”

Barton: Forster, Hoenes, Perry, Condon, Andrews, Kilroy, Bull, Reynolds, Tayali, Vincent, Sawyer.

Subs: Powell, Keating, Peverall, Young, Barnes.