Rovers fight back to claim United victory

Barton Rovers came from behind to triumph 2-1 at struggling North Greenford United in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central on Saturday.

Boss Dan Kennoy said: “I made a mistake to rest some key players today, but luckily the lads dug me out of a hole and went on to get the win.

“I thought I could rest some players with Godalming in mind on Tuesday night, but ended up needing to call upon Paul Andrews, James Bent and Jermaine Hall to ensure we got the result here.

“Second half we controlled the game, but we should be doing that from the first minute against the teams at the foot of the table, we won’t have the luxury of starting poorly on Tuesday night against the league leaders and getting away with it.”

United, managed by former Chelsea forward Neil Shipperley, took the lead on 16 minutes through a fine individual goal by midfielder Drake as he burst right through Rovers’ defence, much to Kennoy’s anger.

A change of formation and two substitutions at the interval reinvigorated Rovers and they started the half on the front foot.

Bilal Hassan, Aaron Lansiquot and Rhys Hoenes started to create chances with Tommy Hull and James Bent controlling the midfield battle.

Unlikely Rovers equaliser was skipper Hull who, after a penetrating from Hoenes, hoisted a delicate lob over the keeper and recovering defenders to level the scores on 64 minutes.

And Barton took the lead seven minutes later when James Edgerley’s free-kick rebounded off the wall and he was brought down as he drove into the box and James Bent confidently fired home.

Lansiquot had a glorious opportunity to put the game to bed when Hall squared for him, but Rovers’ number nine somehow managed to turn the ball over the bar.

Rovers then dug in to win to take it 40 points from 27 games as they moved up to 11th.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday) Barton Rovers were due to visit Godalming Town and on Saturday host title-chasing Biggleswade Town in a Bedfordshire derby.