Unbeaten Barton triumph despite Peacock sending off

Hero turned villain Nathan Peacock’s first minute strike was enough to give high-flying Barton Rovers a 1-0 win at Calor Southern League Division One Central basement boys Chertsey Town on Saturday.

And even though the Rovers hotshot was later dismissed, solid Blues held on to secure their fifth-straight league win to remain unbeaten and stay in second place.

Boss Dan Kennoy said: “I’m glad we’ve come through that game with maximum points. We made it difficult for ourselves today but the lads worked ever so hard after the sending off to ensure the win.

“It was a shame Nat reacted to the tackle from behind. We can’t argue about the sending off but I asked the lads to dig Nat out of hole by ensuring we went home with the win, they did that and that’s what having a good team spirit gives you. I’m sure Nat will repay them in the next game.

“It’s our fifth clean sheet from seven games now which is excellent and the back five deserve some recognition for that.”

Barton made hard work of their victory but made the perfect start when Peacock took advantage of a defensive mix-up to race through and slot home with barely a minute gone.

The visitors could have doubled their lead five minutes later when the unmarked Alex O’Brien shot wide with the keeper stranded after good work by Rhys Hoenes down the right.

Rovers proceeded to pen in their hosts as Paul Barnes’ effort sailed over and Liam McDevitt hit the bar from the 18 yard line with a curling shot.

The game was turned upside down on the half-hour mark when a rash challenge on Peacock saw him retaliate, giving the ref no option but to send him off for an early bath.

With Chertsey now in the ascendency, Barton defended resolutely for the remainder of the half.

The second period started the same as the first finished with the hosts looking to level things up, but having conceded only three goals this season Barton dug deep to keep Chertsey out.

Keeper Kyle Forster was untroubled for most of the half while his back four stood firm to protect the lead.

Barton had a great shout for a penalty on 75 minutes when Barnes was hauled down from behind by rugby tackle, but to the visitors’ amazement the referee waved play on.

However, when Barnes was upended in the box two minutes later the referee this time pointed to the spot.

Barnes stepped up to take it himself, only for the home keeper to go the right way and save his tame ffort.

Chertsey too ended the game with 10 men when Anson Cousins was sent off for deliberate handball after being booked for the same offence less than 60 seconds earlier.

Barton go to Uxbridge in FA Cup first round qualifying on Saturday and host St Ives Town in the league on Tuesday.

Attendance: 126.

Star Blue: Liam McDevitt.