Condon’s late winner seals Margate trip

Barton Rovers fought their way to FA Cup glory in their replay at Northwood on Tuesday night.

The visitors made three changes from Saturday’s 1-1 draw and looked to have strengthened the side.

Despite the lack of early chances the game progressed at a great pace as Nat Peacock blasted an effort wide before Keshi Anderson twisted and turned in the box but scuffed a shot that home keeper Berkley Laurencin mopped up with ease.

Northwood opened the scoring on 28 minutes when a long crossfield ball found Joakim Ehui in acres of space and he dispatched his shot past Kyle Forster.

Rovers battled but couldn’t find that extra half a yard nor any space to create chances until Anderson was felled on the edge of the area but Kev Kilroy put the resultant free kick just wide.

Just as the half was fizzling out, a great run from James Peters found the unmarked Tony Burnett who calmly slotted home to make it 1-1.

The second half started brightly for Rovers with great interlink play between Peacock and Anderson but neither were able to get a shot off.

Just as Barton looked to have played themselves into the game, Northwood went ahead when Sam Byfield took advantage of some lacklustre defending to score on 53 minutes.

This had a positive effect on Rovers though and it took them four minute to level as Louis Lee’s shot hit the post only to rebound to Tony Burnett to tap in.

Rovers now went in search of the winner and were rewarded when sub Alex Condon rose the highest from a floated cross to rocket home an unstoppable header after 80 minutes.

Barton held firm to earn a trip to Ryman Premier League side Margate in the second qualifying round as joint manager Richard Wilmot said: “We weren’t good enough in the first half and I let them have both barrels at half time.

“To their credit they all lifted their game in the second half and thoroughly deserved the win.

“To come back from behind twice to take the win shows some character and for me the goal of the game came from youngster Alex Condon.”

This Saturday, Rovers entertain AFC Hayes at Sharpenhoe Road in the league.