Rovers suffer last-gasp defeat at Burnham

Barton Rovers suffered their second successive Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central defeat as they went down 3-2 at Burnham in a controversial encounter on Saturday.

Rovers were in control only to be denied a goal when Phil Smeaton’s fierce drive ended up in the back of the net, but the referee adjudged the ball to have slipped through the side-netting.

With the Rovers players, supporters and management still bemused, the hosts nicked the opening goal when Ryan Bird tapped home from close range.

After the break, Barton fell 2-0 behind, before Kennoy brought on Jonny McNamara and Rhys Hoenes, and Hoenes had an immediate impact as he was upended in the box and Liam McDevitt drove home the spot kick.

Rovers piled on the pressure as Bobby Dance came off the bench and when his shot was saved, Peacock nodded home the rebound to equalise.

Barton had chances to win, but were beaten late on as Dowdican raced clear to score the winner.

For a full report, plus the thoughts of manager Dan Kennoy, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale tomorrow.