Rovers hit by Hayes' second half showing

Barton Rovers’ lengthy search for a home win continued on Saturday as they went down 2-1 to Hayes & Yeading.

The hosts went into this game looking to build on a good midweek win at Aylesbury and were first to show as Hugh Alban-Jones and Dan Jarvis shot wide within the opening minutes.

Hayes then took a grip on the game but poor finishing and combination of bad luck and the woodwork prevented them going ahead.

Rovers made them pay for their early profligacy in front of goal when Drew Phillips met a Charlie Payne cross from the left and fired Barton ahead on 36 minutes.

After the break, Hayes started with a teal urgency, forcing a series of corners and it was from one of those that Duncan Culley equalised in the 49th minutes as the Rovers defence failed to clear their lines.

Barton were under heavy pressure and more Hayes corners threatened a goal but the hosts defended resolutely until Culley was at the double on 82 minutes.

He turned Dan Newton inside out and tucked the ball beyond Charlie Jones for what proved to be the winner.

Manager Tony Fontenelle said: “We played some good football and deserved at least a point.

“We switched off at the back twice to gift them goals but the young squad we have will learn from that and get stronger.”

Rover, who are in 18th place, were at home to Luton Town in the Beds Senior Cup last night, before entertaining Ashford Town at the weekend.