Battle of the Rovers ends equal

The draw has extended Kempston’s unbeaten run to eight games now as we head into the crucial period of the season, for Barton they can breathe a sigh of relief as the point confirms their status at this level for another season at least, relegating Arlesey Town.

Kempston began the game the brighter of the two sides and had an early chance when Munashe Sundire crossed to the back post where Nathan Tshikuna closed in on goal but volleyed his effort over the bar. The visitors did take the lead just before the quarter hour though, when Kyal McNulty threaded a perfect through pass to Jake Newman. The forward allowed the ball to run across him onto his stronger left foot before he slotted home under the keeper’s body for the opening goal. That, Newman’s twenty ninth strike of the season. Newman nearly doubled his and Kempton’s tally minutes later, latching on to a long Hateley Mercer throw before turning and lashing a shot goalward. Unfortunately for Newman, he only found the side netting. Ben Shepherd forced the Barton keeper, Finlay into action on the half hour mark, when his wickedly curling free kick required tipping over for a corner. From the corner, Shepherd found Robbie Goodman, who volleyed straight at the keeper from close range. Seven minutes before half time, Barton were level with their first real effort on goal. Michael Gyasi bustled his way past a challenge and rode his luck with the bounce of the ball before unleashing a rocket shot into the top corner of the net from the edge of the box. A goal that was so out of keeping with the rest of the game. The two side left the field level at the break.

Early in the second half there was concern for Sundire, after the versatile youngster clattered into the pitch-side fencing and required some lengthy treatment. Fortunately he was able to continue in the game. Moments later, Barton found themselves in front. Drew Phillips flicking on a long ball for Walker, who cut in and fired past Martin Conway in the Kempston goal. Barton could have pilled on the misery for Kempston but missed a glorious chance as Gyasi broke the offside trap through the middle and got to the ball before the advancing Conway, only to see his first time lob drift wide. With fifteen minutes left to play, Kempston managed to pull themselves level again. Sub Josh Crawley fed the ball into Sundire, who rode a challenge before finding the space to shoot from just outside the box. His effort fizzed across the uneven turf and into the bottom corner of the net. The visitors pressed for the winning goal thereafter but for all the endeavor, the hosts held firm and even tried to press themselves. Late on there were half hearted appeals for a penalty for Barton as Gyasi was out muscled in the Kempston box, but these were more from the stands that the players.

The draw was probably a fair result and extends Kempston’s current unbeaten streak, leaving them still in ninth place in the table with a nine point gap to the play off places. The first chance to close that gap is on Saturday, as The Walnut Boys host Arlesey Town, who were confirmed as relegated this evening. For Barton, making sure of avoiding relegation can now signal the start of their summer rebuilding process.