Barton blitz Ampthill in local derby to progress in FA Cup

A Nat Peacock hat-trick inspired Barton Rovers to a 4-0 victory over Ampthill Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup at Sharpenhoe Road on Saturday.

Peacock netted after three, 35 and 39 minutes to put the Blues in charge as keeper Kyle Forster saved Danny Watson’s penalty a minute before the break.

Calor Southern League Division One Central side Barton missed a penalty of their own five minutes into the second half when James Edgerley blasted over but sealed victory over their Molten Spartan SML Premier Division visitors through Bilal Hassan’s 63rd-minute strike.

Manager Dan Kennoy said: “I’m delighted to progress through to the next round.

“Ampthill are a good side and were a potential banana skin for us so there was a bit of pressure on us to get the result.

“I still think there is more to come from us and there were elements of today’s game we need improve upon.

“Nat took his goals well and is taking all the headlines at the minute, but another solid defensive display is giving us the platform to win games.”

Peacock scored the first of a first half hat-trick on three minutes when he slotted the ball into an empty net after Ricky Case’s good work on the right.

Town settled and started to play some good football. Mike Lyon put a free-kick over while Phil Draycott went close after fine play by Warren Garcia.

Much of the game proved to be a midfield battle, but after Peacock had scrambled the ball home for Barton’s second the third quickly followed in a decisive 10-minute spell.

Ampthill had a chance to get back in the match in the 44th minute when they were awarded a penalty but Watson’s spot-kick was well saved by Kyle Forster.

Watson had a header saved from a free-kick early in the second half, before Barton’s James Edgerley blasted over from the spot five minutes into the second half.

Town tried to push forward to reduce the arrears but lacked the firepower and purpose to test the home defence and when Robbie Goodman got behind Ampthill’s defence he couldn’t finish off.

Hussain added Barton’s fourth with an overhead kick and only a timely tackle from Dave Murphy stopped a goalbound run by Bobby Dance.

Town sub Sam Holmes had a shot charged while Garcia was just off target with one shot and Christian Lester had a shot saved after a Holmes run.

Barton host Aylesbury in the league on Tuesday and go to Chertsey Town on Saturday.

Attendance: 150.