Rovers stun big name Kettering in pivotal play-off clash

New signing BJ Christie netted twice alongside a Ricky Case strike to give Barton Rovers a hugely impressive 3-1 victory over big name Kettering Town in their Calor Southern League Division One Central play-off battle on Tuesday night.

Rovers were without skipper Paul Andrews who was starting a two game suspension and the in-form Kim Forsythe who will return next Tuesday night away at AFC Hayes.

The start of the game did not disappoint Rovers biggest attendance of the season. Kettering enjoyed a period of sustained pressure in the opening 10 minutes but the Rovers rear guard held firm under vice-captain Peter Gatti’s leadership.

Bartonsdid ask some questions of the travelling defence and Poppies keeper Alastair Worby was tested with a header from Christie and a quick break as Keshi Anderson streaked clear with 10 minutes gone after a neat one two with Jermaine Hall.

The Poppies were denied an opener as Henry Eze’s flick from a corner was cleared off the line by Luke Knight.

Set-pieces routines were Kettering’s strength and the second phase to another corner almost let in Jonathon Thorpe but his effort was well saved by Kyle Forster.

Rovers were forced into a change half way through the first half. Kevin Kilroy took a knock and as the midfielder hobbled off the pitch he was replaced by Ricky Case.

Christie was causing the Poppies defence all sorts of problems and a delightful cross from the former Dunstable Town man was almost met by Anderson at the back post.

Rovers then took the lead right on half time. A quick break saw Kettering fail to clear and pressure from Hall, Anderson and Christie forced the error for Christie to smash home from close range.

Whatever was said at the half time interval did just the trickas as within minutes of the restart Rovers increased their lead as Case guided home Kyle Lincoln’s perfect cross.

Kettering upped the pressure and eventually told on 54 minutes when Andy Gooding followed up on a rebound to score.

The fight back was short lived though, as five minutes later Rovers regained a their two goal advantage.

Some sloppy possession gifted Barton possession and Christie rammed the ball into the left hand corner.

Tommy Hull, returning to Rovers after his mid-season transfer to Kettering, showed his frustration with his team’s performance and gave the match referee no choice but to send him off for a second bookable offence.

Barton could and should have increased their lead in the dying embers of the game when Jermaine Hall raced clear but failed to hit the target.

A jubilant Rovers manager, Dan Kennoy, said: “That’s a big three points. Put it in context, we’ve just beaten a team that was on a 21 game unbeaten run, have a ridiculously high financial budget, a huge fan base and are a favourite for promotion this season.

“It’s just amazing that little old Barton are mixing it with these big boys. I’m delighted for BJ to mark his debut with two goals as I’ve been trying to sign this player for three seasons and he showed exactly why.

“I also have to highlight young Keshi Anderson’s performance. The lad was totally unfazed by the occasion and showed us all he is ready for the promotion push.

“We have to get our feet back on the ground though as the next 10 games are just as important starting Saturday against Aylesbury United at home.

“They are a dangerous team and have already held us to a draw this season.

“I hope we can attract another big crowd on Saturday we need everyone’s support if we are going to keep this incredible season alive over the next 10 games.”