Great draw at Barton Rovers

[Swifty]

I was groundhopping elsewhere, but I'd like to congratulate the lads for the away draw at the team third in the table, who've only lost twice at home in the league this season.

 

Being the sad statto that I am, I make that the first time we've not lost against a team above us in the table or pyramid since away to Tonbridge Angels in the Trophy on October 29th.

 

A super result which means we only need six more points (or Histon to lose twice more in the rest of the season) to guarantee Southern League football next season.

 

That's the way, lads. Onwards and upwards!

[Gibbo]

A massive well done to Ben and the boys for going up to Barton and getting a point. I didn't go to the game but I do know Barton scored with 2-3 mins to go to nick a draw which must have been a bitter pill to swallow for the lads.

[ashford follower]

yep make no mistake to come away with a point on such a heavy pitch is a good result so close to claiming all 3 shame we couldn't hold on onto the next one !!!

[lazarus]

We were excellent value for the point.  Just before the equaliser in the 88th minute, we seemed to have an indisputable penalty claim but the referee waved it away.  Not quite sure how Barton are so high in the table but we were superb yesterday.  The supporters who travelled gave great support.

[lazarus]

Here is the report from the local Barton paper:

 

A late goal from recent signing Danny Watson saw Barton Rovers pick up a point against Ashford Town on Saturday.

 

It was the visitors who the best of the play early on, with Mark Bitmead and Dan Fleming creating problems for Rovers’ defence.

 

Fleming popped up at the back post after 13 minutes to tap home after shaking off his marker, as Barton had to defend wave after wave of attack from their opponents.

 

Eventually the hosts established a foothold to create a few half chances, with Luke Knight well wide, before Watson scuffed a shot off target too.

After the break, Rovers produced a far more spirited performance, although their opponents remained dogged with a batting display of their own.  Charlie Smith’s free kick sailed over the bar before some good inter link play between Michael Malcolm and Elliot Bailey saw another chance go begging.

 

The breakthrough finally did arrive on 88 minutes as Hartley flicked a long ball on for Watson who slotted home from an acute angle to give Rovers a very hard-fought point.

 

Afterwards, manager Jimmy Gray said: “Ashford were great and made us work for every ball.

“They had a gameplan and played it well as we didn’t get into the game in the first half but certainly put in a shift in during the second.