UPDATED: Leaders Barton Rovers stay top with Chalfont St Peter win

Early goals from Jermaine Hall and Kevin Kilroy saw table-topping Barton Rovers triumph 2-1 at Chalfont St Peter in Calor Southern League Division One Central at the weekend.

They netted after two and seven minutes and, although Alan Hedley pulled one back just before the break, Barton held on for victory.

From the off Barton’s Alex O’Brien pushed the ball forward to the onrushing Hall, who split the defenders, and slotted home past keeper Michael Power-Simpson.

Barton then doubled their lead when a poor clearance fell into the path of Kilroy who volleyed from 20 yards out.

Rovers camped in Chalfont’s half for the next half-an-hour and, despite a hatful of efforts from Rhys Hoenes, Luke Knight, Bilal Hassan and Liam Mcdevitt Rovers, the visitors couldn’t find the killer third goal.

And the hosts hit back with their first effort of a one-side half on the stroke of half time when some leisurely defending allowed the unmarked Headly to tap home from close range.

Chalfont came out all guns blazing after the break as Barton looked a shadow of the team that commanded the first half.

The hosts attacked with pace and style, but still failed to trouble Kyle Forster, while Barton’s best effort came from Bobby Dance who thundered a shot into the side netting.

Rovers assistant manager Wes Byrne said: “It was a great start to the game, but a poor second half takes the shine off the win.

“The game started perfectly for us and we took the game to them from the first whistle and grabbed a two-goal lead in the first 10 minutes setting us on our way, but credit to Chalfont they altered their formation and came straight back at us, responding with a goal on the stroke of half time which changed our half time team talk.

“There were missed chances for both sides in the second half which made the game interesting.

“We lost our way after the break and I put that down to Chalfont nicking a goal against the run of play just before half time. Another three points away from home is great and keeps us in the hunt at the top.

“It was pleasing to see a solid full debut for recent signing Steve Thomas, adding a different dimension for our attack, but ultimately the lads showed enough character to earn all the points.”

This Saturday Barton entertain promotion rivals Royston Town.

Meanwhile, Barton’s derby with near neighbours Dunstable Town at Sharpenhoe Road has been rearranged for Tuesday, December 17.

Attendance: 53.