IN PICTURES: Walnut Boys defeat Barton to lift North Beds Charity Cup

AFC Kempston Rovers enjoyed the perfect end to their superb season by beating Southern League side Barton Rovers to lift the North Beds Charity Cup on Friday night.
AFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity CupAFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity Cup
AFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity Cup

With the game played at Stotfold FC, Barton started well and took the lead on 21 minutes through Lucas Perry,

However, the Walnut Boys hit back in the second period and were level on the hour mark when Barton defender Jack Keating sliced a clearance into his own net.

Kempston were then reduced to 10 men though when Micky Lyons was sent off, but recovered to triumph, as Jamaine Ivy netted with three minutes to go.

AFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity CupAFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity Cup
AFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity Cup

The result saw Kempston make it a double after winning the UCL Premier Division this season too as joint boss Jimmy Stoyles said: “After the jubilation of winning the tittle on the last day myself, Flinny (Gary Flinn) and the players were focussed on finishing the season well.

“This game would be a good benchmark for us playing a well-established Southern League side in Barton.

“They started the game well through their direct and physical play and we looked off the pace.

“However, the second half was all one-sided as we were winning our battles and creating chance after chance.

AFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity CupAFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity Cup
AFC Kempston Rovers lift the North Beds Charity Cup

“After the sending off, we rearranged our shape to 3-4-2 and it paid off with Jamaine scoring at the end.”

Meanwhile, Stoyles was quick to pay tribute to the club’s followers, plus his players too, adding: “A mention for all our supporters who once again were loud and turned up in numbers.

“The last thank you goes to this special group of players who deserve all the credit and recognition they get.

“Their commitment, desire, spirit and quality has delivered two trophies ending a great season.”

To view Guy Wills’ gallery of pictures from the game, click the link above.

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