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 1768.6

Barton‘s current form is making for grim reading for their fans, one win in their last six matches, albeit a four nil win over Marlow, and a draw against Northwood is a far cry from the strong side that finished third in the table last season.

Kempston on the other hand, have five wins and one loss in their last six. Since the turn of the year, Rovers have averaged two points per game, with six wins and a draw from their ten fixtures since we began 2018. At Egham in midweek, both Munashe Sundire and Harry Stratton came off the bench to make their first appearances of the season for the club, while Mason Spence and Ben Acquaye made their first starts after impressing as substitutes in previous games.

Jake Newman’s current tally of 26 in all competitions is the highest by any Rovers player in a single season since 2010-11 when Josh Bamford hit 33. Newman has himself said this week that he is targeting at least thirty goals this season.

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 solidarity 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.