Report by Jools Thomas

Although the second half performance was improved and with luck, a goal could have been stolen, it was the absolute gift of an early goal to visitors Barton that eventually settled this classic relegation dogfight.

Shayne Almond was the first to threaten the visitors’ goal with a snapshot in the 5th minute. A quick break at the other end saw Ivan Machedo pounce on uncertainty within the FC ranks and whilst the defence dallied, the striker had just to loft a simple ball over Ash Jenkins into the FC net for the goal.

Rovers looked to capitalise on this lead and in the very next attack, Jack Keating cracked a decent enough effort that had all the power but fortunately was directed straight at Jenkins. Another effort by the away side, this time by Andrew Phillips, sailed just over the bar as FC struggled to contain the visitors. Phillips again fired over the bar after a mistake by Ben Stevens.

Aston Goss attempted to redress the balance and he played in a delightful cross after a surging run which away keeper Charlie Jones managed to hold on to. Rovers responded and another defensive error let in the dangerous Phillips but the target man was wasteful as he placed his shot wide.

Aston Goss was a whisker away from an equaliser on 38 minutes. He beat the keeper to a loose ball and from a wide position shot towards the open goal however a sprinting defender somehow managed to get a touch, deflecting the ball onto a post and away for a corner. Boss Davis Haule had been watched affairs from the sidelines however he joined the action shortly before half time replacing Jeanmal Prosper in what appeared to be a tactical switch. In the final move of the half, another lack of concentration from an FC man within his area, gifted the ball to Machedo and only the on rushing Jenkins prevented a strike.

Jenkins again saved FC in the opening second half move of note as he bravely dived at Dan Jarvis’ feet. Machedo was also foiled as FC’s defensive four were again asked questions.

Aston Goss had another good game and on the hour mark, his low strike was expertly saved by Jones. Shayne Almond then put an effort wide as FC finally looked to threaten. Anthony Ball couldn’t quite get hold of the ball on 72 minutes and his attempt was saved soundly. Almond’s decent run with 13 minutes to play hinted at a goal but his final stab didn’t have the power to trouble the Rovers’ goal.

Aston Goss saw his curling left hand shot well saved by Jones. FC should have grabbed an equaliser as the game entered its final moments. A ball into the box created mayhem and sub Brian Haule had just to make contact from just a couple of yards but the big striker hesitated and in that momentary pause, the away defence desperately hacked the ball clear thereby claiming all the points.