Barton overpowered by Chesham in League Cup

BARTON Rovers crashed out of the Red Insure Southern League Cup at the second round stage as they lost 3-1 to a strong Chesham United side on Tuesday night.

The Division One Central side gave a good account of themselves against their Premier Division opponents, but couldn’t hold on to a 1-0 lead.

Boss Dan Kennoy said: “I was very pleased with the performance, it was similar to our game against Arlesey in the Beds Senior Cup. We competed in every department against a very good side so I’m happy regardless of the result.

“We managed to get some minutes into the legs of players that haven’t played much recently which is important for us at this stage of the season.

“With Christmas around the corner, injuries, suspensions and holidays will test the strength of the whole squad.

“We’ll take the positives of which there are plenty and aim to get a result at Daventry on Saturday to continue our league form.”

Barton took a well deserved lead inside half an hour through Ricky Case.

In fact, Rovers’ advantage could have come sooner, but Layne Eadie’s drive, which was heading for the top corner, was well saved by former Luton Town keeper Shane Gore.

Chesham, who fielded nine of the starting 11 from their 1-0 victory against Frome Town on Saturday, were frustrated for the majority of the first half as the Rovers’ side, which included only six that started on Saturday, dominated possession.

The home side managed to draw level moments later though as full-back Phil Smeaton’s tackle took a fortunate bounce into the winger’s path who crossed to the unmarked Leon Archer.

His header was saved by Richard Wilmot only for the rebound to fall straight to Archer’s feet for him to tap home.

The goal raised the home side’s spirits but Rovers managed to ride out the pressure and reach the interval at 1-1.

The second half was a different affair and Chesham showed why they are unbeaten at The Meadow this season.

On the hour mark, the hosts’ constant pressure forced a rare mistake from Lee Wilson and Wilmot which resulted in the Rovers keeper upending Archer inside the box.

Mark Lambert stepped up and placed the ball into the bottom left hand corner to give Chesham a 2-1 lead.

Rovers introduced Bobby Dance and Dave Parkinson to try and get them back into the game, although it was Case who had the best opportunity for Rovers to draw level.

Chesham finished off the tie though with 10 minutes to go when Archer rolled Liam McDevitt on the halfway line with a quick-counter attack and slipped the ball past Wilmot to send Chesham into the next round.

Rovers had beaten Northwood 1-0 in Division One Central on Saturday when, after Parkinson was brought down in the box after combining well with Case on 21 minutes, Dance stepped up to fire home the winner from the spot.

The Blues travel to Daventry Town this weekend.