Frustrating FA Trophy defeat against Potters Bar

Barton Rovers were knocked out of the FA Trophy after a late Andrew Bennett winner sent

Potters Bar Town through.

The Rovers started brightly and had their first effort of the afternoon in the 14th minute, with an attempt from the edge of the box narrowly missing the post. Four minutes later,

Kpohomouh came close to opening the scoring, heading narrowly wide from a cross.

Barton Rovers continued to push forward, with George Joyce going closest yet as his

long-range effort struck the crossbar. Despite the positive spells from the Rovers, Potters Bar took the lead in the 34th minute as Ebenezer Addo-Kufuor found the bottom corner.

Barton Rovers responded well and were rewarded in first-half stoppage time, with Connor Bernhardt converting from a cross to bring the Rovers level going into the break! The Rovers had to withstand pressure early in the second half, with Matt Boylan making several important saves to keep the scores level.

Boylan was called into action again with 20 minutes remaining, denying Johnny Allotey with another smart stop. Lucas Jordan looked to have been brought down in the penalty area, and Rovers’ appeals were waved away. Barton Rovers remained in the contest and nearly found a late winner after an error at the back from Potters Bar, but the ball was eventually scrambled clear.

Potters Bar continued to push for a winner, but Boylan kept the Rovers in the game once again, saving from Connor Tomlinson late on. Andrew Bennett fired into the top corner in the 99th minute, sending Potters Bar Town through to the next round of the FA Trophy. A cruel ending for the Rovers, who had battled hard throughout and looked set to take the tie to penalties.

MOTM: Matt Boylan

Entertainment Rating: 4/5