Barton Rovers retained their Step 4 status after a 2-0 victory against travelling Thetford Town FC.
After a difficult season, Rovers found themselves in a relegation play-off come the end of the season meaning theyd have to defeat a Step 5 side to remain at Step 4 and they done just that.
In the first half, both teams had spells of dominance as Rovers started the game well, in the third minute of the game, Adeyileka picked up a stray ball and squared it to Ashton Grant who fired his shot over the crossbar. Just ten minutes later, Rovers came even closer with their best chance of the half when Mckenzie-Lowe smashed his shot goalward, it hit the post and denied Rovers an early opener! Thetford hit the woodwork themselves just five minutes later when Machaya's strike smashed the crossbar, the shot everyone thought to be a certain goal!
The teams went into half-time level but it was Rovers who opened the scoring in the second half when Ashton Grant volleyed his shot into the top corner just four minutes after play restarted! After taking the lead, Rovers sat back and invited the pressure and it looked like an excellent opportunity for the visitors to find an equaliser. However, Thetford defender Morton was shown a second yellow and with twenty minutes to go, his side had a long way back into the game. Rovers managed to capitalise on the visitors' lesser man and doubled their lead just seven minutes after Morton was given his marching orders. Kieran Gauthier got the final touch on the ball as it was scrambled into the back of the net!
Rovers held off for the last twenty minutes plus an extra ten additional minutes to ensure they stayed up for another season! It goes without saying that some of Matt Boylan's saves kept Rovers in the game at times and a clean sheet was thoroughly deserved.
Full Time: Barton Rovers 2-0
MOTM: Ashton Grant
Entertainment Rating: 4/5