Rovers keep their nerve to down Arlesey Town

THERE was penalty shoot-out joy for Barton Rovers as they beat cup specialists and near neighbours Arlesey Town in the first round of the Red Insure Cup at Sharpenhoe Road on Tuesday night.

Arlesey benched most of their big guns and paid the price as they crashed out of this much maligned competition as normal time finished goalless, extra-time 1-1 and Barton held their nerve to win the shoot-out 7-6.

The game started at a furious pace with both sides expending lots of energy, but there was very little guile on show.

The only real chance in the early stages saw Danny Payne head off the line after a goalmouth scramble to thwart the visitors.

It was late in the first half when Dave Parkinson came alive as he cut in from the left and unleashed a drive that elicited an excellent save from keeper Mark Osborn.

The home side probably felt a little aggrieved at having nothing to show for all their efforts despite enjoying the majority of the play in the first half.

After the break Osborn was by far the busier keeper as Barton pressed relentlessly. He made good saves from Payne and Russell Bull before Bobby Dance shot well over.

Barton suffered their old failings though as they lacked a cutting edge despite applying most of the pressure.

Normal time ended goalless but Barton snatched the lead 11 minutes into extra-time when Dance deservedly rifled them ahead.

Arlesey levelled eight minutes later when they were awarded a soft penalty and substitute Lee Allinson drilled home.

Rovers then held their nerve in the shoot-out and, after captain Paul Andrews had confidently smashed home penalty number seven for Barton, Liam McGovern stepped up and fired tamely wide to send the home side through.

Andrews put in a man of the match performance as he shackled former Hatters starlet Liam Toomey well.

On Saturday, Rovers stretched their unbeaten Evo-Stik Division One Central run to four games as they beat Marlow 2-1, both goals coming from Dance.

Rovers scheduled game against Chertsey Town this weekend is off as their opponents are in the FA Trophy against Ashford Town (Middlesex).