Brave Barton Rovers bow out of FA Cup at Boreham Wood

Brave Barton Rovers bowed out of this season’s FA Cup competition as, despite a valiant effort, they lost their second round qualifying replay 3-0 at Skrill South side Boreham Wood on Monday night.

Saturday’s initial tie at Sharpenhoe Road had finished goalless and Rovers again matched the home side for large portions of the game.

Boss Dan Kennoy was pleased with his team’s performance despite the result, saying: “I’m very pleased with the lads’ performance over the two games.

“They have set standards and expectations now for the rest of the season in my eyes.

“If they decide to give that level of commitment and desire to win games of football for the next six months then we will have a very successful league campaign.

“We have had a great start to the season, it’s only our second loss in 11 games and there is certainly no shame in losing to sides like Borehamwood and Slough Town with their financial power and fan base.”

Wood rode their luck against the plucky visitors as Ricky Case headed against the post after just four minutes.

The game was spiced up moments later when a heavy challenge by Paul Barnes on Luton Town loanee Jerome Jibodu earned the striker a yellow card, giving the promising youngster an injury that he never fully recovered from.

Rovers showed plenty of desire to cause an upset in the opening exchanges of an end-to-end first half.

Barton’s Bobby Dance then forced home keeper James Russell into a low save from a well-struck free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Wood’s Matthew Ball then found his range, testing Rovers shot stopper Grant Beckwith, before Russell was called upon to keep his side in the tie.

Dance played Rhys Hoenes through the middle and, with the goal gaping, Russell rushed out to produce a superb block and smother his effort.

However, Sam Cox’s 38th-minute opener changed the game. The midfielder was given the space required to strike a low shot past Beckwith

Liam McDevitt then glanced Dances fine cross millimetres wide moments before the interval as the hosts narrowly led at the break.

The second half kicked off with Rovers continuing to frustrate Wood as they pressed tirelessly.

The game remained evenly balanced until a piece of individual skill from Donovan Simmonds gave the home side a two-goal cushion on 58 minutes.

With his back to goal, managed to spin and shoot across Beckwith as he game a rare glimpse of the difference between the two sides.

The goal produced another surge from Rovers as Russell produced another great stop to deny Case as he bore down on goal.

The keeper timed his run off his line well as he bravely stole the ball away from the Rovers midfielder who was lively all night.

Minutes later Mario Noto gave the ball away in midfield and Alex O’Brien slipped Case through as the Rovers keeper produced another fine stop.

And the hosts sealed victory six minutes later when former Watford player Matt Whichelow just adjudged to have been impeded by two Rovers defenders and referee Mr Harris pointed to the spot despite Rovers’ protests, and Noto fired home the penalty to end the game as a contest.

Rovers continued to create as Hoenes had a couple of efforts blocked and Tommy Hull headed straight at Russell, but time eventually ran out as Wood eased through to face well supported Maidstone United in the next round.

Kennoy thanked Rovers’ supporters, adding: “It was great to see so many away supporters at the game tonight.

“I know the players really appreciated it and gave them a well-deserved clap at the end of the game to say thank you.

“I hope to see them all out in force again on Saturday when we take on Peacehaven & Telscombe at home in the FA Trophy where we can begin another little cup run in that competition.”

Barton entertain Peacehaven & Telscombe in the preliminary round of the FA Trophy on Saturday and visit North Greenford United in Calor Southern League Division One Central on Tuesday.