Rovers U18s crowned EJA champions

In doing so they became the first team ever from Bedfordshire at any age group to be crowned overall EJA champions.

Victories over the last three weekends against Chelmsford (1-0), East Thurrock United (4-0) and Concord Rangers (3-2) saw the side maintain their unbeaten two year record in the league.

An amazing two seasons has also seen this team win two Bedfordshire U18 County Cups, two EJA League titles and the EJA League Challenge Cup.

The Barton team reached the second round proper of the FA Youth Cup this season too, beating Barnet and Stevenage Academies along the way and losing narrowly 1-0 to Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

The young Blues squad has grown and improved over the years after a tough couple of campaigns in the highly competitive EJA at U14 and U15 level.

However, the majority of the team has now been together for four years and have formed a very strong bond and will to win.

Rovers has a continuing drive to produce excellent youth teams with players capable of representing the senior section of the club.

This season, 12 of this year’s U18 squad have played reserve team football at Barton and five have represented the first team who had their best season in 116 years, narrowly missing out on a play- off spot on the last day of the season.

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