Rovers held after late penalty drama

Barton Rovers were denied victory at rivals Leighton Town on Saturday as they conceded a last-minute penalty.

Rovers dominated the first half on a very heavy pitch as Keshi Anderson came closest to opening the scoring.

Ben Sawyer had an effort sail wide before ex-Leighton player Bilal Hassan lacked a finishing touch too.

Mahmut Caglar put a shot just past the post on 20 minutes as Barton looked to have wasted the early opportunities.

Ben Sawyer then dispossessed Leighton’s Paul Lyon on the half way line and drove into the box before finishing from the tightest of angles.

Rovers should have doubled their lead just before half time as Sawyer found Hassan, whose shot was saved.

The ricochet fell to Anderson but his goalbound shot was blocked by Chris Crook.

In the second period, Rovers then went to sleep and allowed Leighton to camp in their half.

Chance after chance were blocked by resolute defending and the visitors looked like they had done enough to cling on.

Sawyer hit the post on a rare foray forward, but in injury time, defender Alex Condon was adjudged to have pulled Alvin Rajaram’s shirt to give away a spotkick and be shown a red card, with Danny Watson dispatching the penalty.

Rovers are at home to Ampthill Town in the Beds Senior Cup tonight.