Rovers waste a hatful of chances as they edge victory over rock-bottom Woodford

Barton Rovers scraped past lowly Woodford United last night (Tuesday) with an unconvincing 2-1 win.

Victory was never in doubt, but Rovers wasted a host of chances against a side that are yet to register a point in Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

Rhys Hoenes hit the post twice, Paul Andrews headed against the bar, Jermaine Hall’s fiery shot was tipped on to the post by Woodford keeper Jack Riley as the Blues pressed remorselessly.

The best of the missed chances fell to Sam James whose 20-yard shot was agonisingly tipped over.

Hall broke the deadlock after 38 minutes and Johnny Macnamara doubled their advantage with his first goal for the club after 76 minutes.

Woodford pulled a goal back at the death through Aaron Hinds, but it was too little too late.

Rovers now face three away games with the first at Northwood this Saturday where manager Dan Kenny will be looking for a vast improvement in team performance and quality.

Kennoy added: “At the end of the day a win is a win, but we should have cruised through that with six or seven, but again we don’t take our chances and look lacklustre at times.”

Tonight (Wednesday) Barton’s reserves are at home against a Dunstable Town team in the Suburban League North Division.

Meanwhile, Barton will now face AFC Dunstable in the semi-finals of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup after AFC’s 3-1 win at Stotfold.