Eynesbury Rovers beaten at Atherstone Town on difficult afternoon

Eynesbury Rovers were beaten 4–1 away at play-off chasing Atherstone Town, as difficult pitch conditions made it hard for the St Neots side to settle in their first-ever visit to Sheepy Road.

Rovers struggled to play their usual passing game on a heavy surface, while the hosts adapted well, using a more direct approach and taking advantage on the counter-attack. Lewis Collins scored a hat-trick for Atherstone, with Dylan Parker also on the scoresheet.

The home side took the lead after ten minutes when an unfortunate slip by Oliver Brookes allowed Collins through to score past James Hoskins. Atherstone continued to press, creating several chances, although Hoskins kept Rovers in the game with a number of saves, including tipping Ryan Quinn’s effort over the bar shortly before half-time.

Eynesbury’s best chance of the opening half came from a Dammy Nickels free kick, delivered into the box from the left, but Tommy Reynolds could only slide the ball wide.

Atherstone doubled their lead in the 37th minute following a quick move down the right, with Parker setting up Collins for his second. Collins almost completed his hat-trick before the break but lifted his effort over the bar.

Five minutes into the second half, Collins did make it 3–0, firing home from close range after another assist from Parker. Rovers enjoyed a spell of possession soon after, with Osobu beating two defenders inside the penalty area, only to see his shot blocked by the goalkeeper.

The hosts made it 4–0 in the 77th minute when Chris Cowley set up Parker to score. However, Eynesbury responded almost immediately. From the restart, Cole Butler’s cross from the right was dropped by goalkeeper Lewis Gwilliams, allowing Dean Dummett to score his first goal for the club.

Rovers’ afternoon ended on a sour note when Oliver Brookes received a second yellow card late on and was sent off. The defeat sees Eynesbury Rovers drop to 13th in the league table.

They are back in action at home on Saturday 31 January, when league leaders Nuneaton Town visit for a 3pm kick-off.