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On The Road Again…
Your tour guide to; Barton Rovers
Quick facts
Founded in 1898
Nickname The Mighty Rovers, Blues
Home Colours All blue
Last season, they were 3/22 and beaten play off finalists in Southern League D1 Central
Last time we were here Kempston lost a titanic Easter Monday encounter by 3-2
Historic/competitive rivalries Us, Bedford Town
Stadium Sharpenhoe Road
Entry price £8 adults, £5 concessions, U14’s FREE
Post code for your Satnav MK45 4LQ
Miles for this game 24.6 mile round trip
Total miles so far this season 2036.6 before today

Following the postponement of this fixture back in mid-March, we have the co-incidence of fate that the game now takes place on the exact same date as it did last season. It also means that of the four away legs of the Bedfordshire Derby games in the league this season have taken place mid-week. Who says stats are pointless?

The original encounter between these two sides in March was officially called off at 2pm by the match referee after a brief inspection of a clearly unplayable surface, in spite of being told earlier in the day that the pitch had passed an inspection earlier that morning.

Barton are having a tough season and, at the time of writing, sit second to bottom of the table. It is largely thanks to the re-structure of Non League at our level in the coming summer that only one side will go down this season, otherwise Barton could’ve had a nervy few weeks. By the time of the game, Arlesey’s relegation could have been mathematically confirmed, leaving the hosts looking at a summer of re-building.

To those who notice patterns, they will have seen that in 2014-15 Barton made the play off final in this division and lost two nil at Bedworth United, before having a bad season in 2015-16. Last season, they made the play off final and lost two nil at Farnborough ahead of this campaign. What odds would you be able to get on Barton losing next season’s play off final two nil away from home?

Last season’s Easter Monday meeting of these two sides ultimately went a long way to decide the play-off race. Barton’s victory sealed their place in the post-season shake up, while it left Kempston looking at other results waiting for a slip up.

The community pitches around the ground have been the subject of residential development plans, which will destroy youth and Sunday football in the area. If there are any petitions available to sign against the potential development, can Kempston Rovers fans show their support and add their names to the protest. Thank you.

Basic directions;
Head south on the A6 and follow the signs to enter the village of Barton-le-clay. At the first roundabout on the edge of the village, turn left. Go through the village, at the mini roundabout, go straight across. The entrance to the ground is on the right, almost immediately after the Hexton turn on the left. There is a large car park at the ground, but there are some rather savage speed bumps on the driveway in.