Report by Dan Legg

The Moles travelled to Bedfordshire in high spirits following last weekend’s spectacular display against Yaxley FC looking to bring home another three points against mid-table side Barton Rovers. The two sides had met at Haywood Way earlier in the season in a frenetic fixture which had finished 2-2.

Derek Feyi replaced Steven Johnson-Fikula who dropped to the bench, whilst FC veteran Brian Haule having over 200 appearances to his name with the Moles also had a place in the substitutes after resigning mid-week.

Barton Rovers started the better of the two sides, enjoying long spells of possession, however, the bitter wind whipping around the ground meant long balls and crosses proved to be unfruitful for the hosts. The Moles’ first opportunity to test Gary Malone in the Rovers goal came through Ryan Young, however his curling effort from the angle of the penalty box was bravely blocked by the face of the Barton captain Paul Andrews.

Rovers looked to increase the tempo midway through the first half and applied sustained pressure for long periods. Nick Bennion was called upon multiple times to thwart efforts from Sam Gibson, Robbie Goodman and Connor Vincent, whilst some solid defensive headers courtesy of Jordan Jenkins and Derek Feyi also relieved the pressure.

After showing great defensive resolve the Moles took the lead with their first shot on target. After playing the ball out from the back, Carl Tappin split the Rovers defence with a perfected weighted through-ball. Ty Deacon latched onto the pass, showed good strength to hold off his marker and nonchalantly place the ball low into the bottom left-hand corner for his third goal in five appearances to the delight of the travelling support.

Half Time – Barton Rovers 0 Aylesbury FC 1

Much like the first half the hosts started on the front foot, and this time the Moles were made to pay for some lacklustre defending. A cross from the right-hand side was floated into the back post, Andrew Phillips rose above Luke Cray to nod down into the six-yard box for Connor Vincent to slot home under minimal pressure from a few yards out. Following the goal, FC looked to battle back, with Paul Bonham showing his intent with some very attacking changes, introducing both Bruno Brito and Brian Haule to proceedings.

Both sides continued to look for a winner, but neither of the two teams really created any further clear-cut chances. A clipped ball into the area from Martin Griggs gave Ty Deacon the opportunity to head home for his second of the afternoon, but the in-form striker could only put it wide of the front post. Whilst Rovers substitute Sydney Ibe went on a pillaging run late into the second period but could only put his bending attempt wide of Nick Bennion’s back post.

Full Time – Barton Rovers 1 Aylesbury FC 1
Both sides will rue their missed opportunities, especially the hosts, but will both be happy with a well earnt point apiece.
The Moles are back in action on Tuesday night as they entertain Didcot Town at the SRD Stadium.
Aylesbury FC MOTM – Carl Tappin
Match Rating – 2/5