Rovers resurgence a joy for Barton boss Kennoy

Barton Rovers kept up their recent revival as they claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over in-form Aylesbury FC at Sharpenhoe Road on Tuesday night in Division One Central of the Evo-Stik Southern League.

Aylesbury started the brighter of the two sides and camped in Rovers’ half for the first 10 minutes as they saw a goal ruled out for offside.

This spurred Rovers on as a great through ball from Aaron Lansiquot found Rhys Hoenes unmarked in the box and his deft lob beat the advancing keeper on 19 minutes.

Both sides had chances to score after that, the best coming from Barton’s Bobby Dance who fired ferociously into the side netting.

Rovers doubled their lead three minutes before the break though when, after good build up play, Hoenes’ shot took a wicked deflection off Jermaine Hall’s rear and ended up in the back of the net.

Aylesbury were unlucky not to pull one back on the stroke of half time but home keeper Richard Wilmot produced a great save from close range.

The second half started at an even quicker pace with Aylesbury hungry to get something from the game.

Resolute defending and wasted chances kept the visitors at bay and Rovers extended their lead on the hour when Dance converted from the spot after Aylesbury’s keeper had brought Hoenes down.

Aylesbury gave themselves a lifeline a minute later when Wayne O’Sullivan pulled a goal back.

Barton, now struggling to do anything but defend, conceded again on 69 minutes when Brian Haule’s low strike beat keeper Wilmot.

But Rovers dug deep to stand firm for the last 20 minutes as manager Dan Kennoy said: “The lads all gave 100 per cent and I could not ask for more.

“Aylesbury were unbeaten in the last eight league games and the way they came at us showed why.

“We defended well and took our chances which was the difference between the two sides.

“We go again on Saturday at Biggleswade who are also in great form but will take confidence from this win and hope to build on it.”

On Saturday, Rovers had continued their resurgence with a 1-0 victory at Uxbridge as Lansiquot glanced home the winner on 65 minutes.

This Saturday Rovers travel to Biggleswade Town.