There was joy for Barton Rovers at the weekend as they made it into the first round proper of the Isuzu FA Trophy for the first time in a quarter-of-a-century.
The Pitching In Southern League Division One Central outfit made the trip to Littlehampton Town of the Pitching In Isthmian League South East and came home with a 1-0 win in a tie that saw Alfie Warman pulling the strings with a Man of the Match display.
“As a group, this is a really special achievement, not just for us as players and management but for everyone involved with Barton Rovers,” Warman told us. “For many of us it’s a club we have a deep connection with, so to give back to the Chairman, committee and volunteers means so much to us all.
“There’s people here who have been involved with the club for over 50 years, something the manager made us aware of in our first group meeting last season. It’s much bigger than any of us so there’s a lot of pride when you reflect on this achievement.
“Saturday’s game was tough, as we knew it would be. They are a resilient side and although they have struggled so far this season, they haven’t lost games by many goals. We had to be resolute defensively but the boys at the back and Tyler in goal were outstanding.
“After a tactical tweak in the first half, the momentum of the game swung and we got our goal at a time when we were on top in the game and we were able to hold on to the lead thereafter.
“For me personally, I was delighted to pick up Man of the Match. Towards the end of the first half I felt my involvement in the game growing and to contribute to the goal was really nice. Second half I had to be disciplined and help the defensive effort, which I felt I did well and was really pleased to contribute to the win and progress into the next round.
“It’s been a mixed start to the season if we’re being honest, but since the first two League games, performances and results on the most part have been good.
“We have developed a bit of consistency and a way of playing that has been successful for us. We believe we have so much more to give as a group and still want to achieve big things this season.
“For me, it’s been about establishing my role in the side as a central midfielder. I came in last year and played in defence but the manager has trusted me in the middle of the park since the turn of the year and I have really enjoyed it.
“I believe in my ability and so far have been able to translate that into some good performances this season, Saturday being an example of that. I still have loads to work on and more to give over the course of the rest of the season, but I certainly I’m playing the best football I ever have and feel really good.
“Hopefully Saturday’s result can kick-start another consistent run of results for us now to take into the next round of the FA Trophy in a couple of weeks.
“There’s real belief within the group. I won’t air publicly what we want to achieve, but we want to make our mark and having done that so far in the FA Trophy, it has been important for belief for what we can go and achieve in the League. For me personally, it’s just about continuing to work hard and keep on playing well. I’m enjoying my football but am hungry for more.”
Monday’s first round proper draw handed Barton Rovers a home tie against Folkestone Invicta of the Pitching In Isthmian League Premier Division.
“To be drawn at home gives the club a big day to look forward to,” added Warman. “The opposition had a good result in the previous round [beating Ascot United 8-1], so it will be a really difficult game against a strong Step 3 side.
“Hopefully the Winton Haulage Stadium will be packed out for this one and we can create even more history!"
The rest of the draw sees AFC Telford United head to Mickleover, Barwell play host to Sporting Khalsa, whilst Halesowen Town also have home advantage, as they take on Congleton Town. There’s an all Pitching In Southern League Premier Central clash between Stourbridge and Alvechurch, as Gloucester City welcome Coleshill Town.
Home advantage is also with Bishop’s Stortford against Felixstowe & Walton United, as Royston Town hit the road to Cambridge City and Chertsey Town are Uxbridge-bound. Biggleswade entertain Potters Bar Town and Hanwell Town welcome Hendon. There’s also a home tie for Hadley against Hastings United.
An all Pitching In Southern League Premier South clash sees Gosport Borough and Taunton Town lock horns as AFC Totton and Dorchester Town also do battle. Hungerford Town are at home to Yate Town and Bristol Manor Farm take on Havant & Waterlooville in what will be a mouth-watering tie. It’s Tavistock AFC v Winchester City and finally, Plymouth Parkway are at home to Chichester City.
Ties are to be played on Saturday, October 26th 2024. Good luck to all of our Member Clubs who remain in the competition.
IMAGE: Barton Rovers FC
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