Dias nets a stunner as Rovers fight back

Barton Rovers emerged with a creditable draw from their trip to high-flying Northwood at the weekend.

The hosts were ahead in the opening minute as an unstoppable shot from Max Holland gave Rovers keeper Kyle Forster no chance.

Both sides played the game at a tremendous pace afterwards, as the visitors had chances to equalise.

Barton were then level on 38 minutes when a well-placed header from Alex Condon beat the returning Berkley Laurencin in the Northwood goal.

However, it didn’t take for the home side to regain their lead with another stunning finish, this time from Louis Stead.

After the break, Barton had the ideal start when they made it 2-2 with just four minutes gone as Claudio Dias unleashed a 30-yard rocket that sailed into the top left hand corner.

Both teams came close to finding a winner, but good goalkeeping, resolute defending by Barton and also the woodwork ensured the spoils were shared.

The point was Rovers’ fourth draw of the season already, as they stay 10th in the table, just three points outside the play-off places.

With no midweek action, Rovers’ next game is a local derby at Dunstable Town in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Victory for Barton would see them pocket £3,000 in prize money.

Barton: Forster, Bishop, Perry, Condon, Andrews, Dias, Davis, Kilroy, Blackett, Da Silva, Bailey.

Subs: Holmes, Keating, Reynolds, Kabuye, Caglar.