Two minutes with… Crewe Alexandra

A fourth consecutive victory in the League last weekend, meaning we are still unbeaten in 2012. A win made certain by the dismissal of two of Crewe’s players in the first half wrapped the points up. Had it been 11 players each, it would have certainly been a different story. Scott Morris @SheSaidNoMarlon talks about his experience in North London in this instalment of ‘two minutes with…’

28/01/12
Barnet 2–0 Crewe Alexandra
(McLeod ’30 (p), Hector ’77)
Attendance: 2,263 (away: 336)

How did you get to the game?

I went by coach.

What did you do pre-match?

I went to the Prince of Wales pub about two miles away from Underhill in East Barnet. Lovely pub and lovely staff!

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

I stood on the East Terrace.

What did you make of the game?

It wasn't the best game in the world but once we went down to nine men we knew we had no chance of getting a result!

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

Considering Barnet’s two man advantage I'd say yes! We never really looked a threat up front but our makeshift defence was great!

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

Tough choice but I'd say our midfielder Jamie Lowry (who’s on loan from Chesterfield) as he was at the centre of everything positive for Crewe!

Who do you play next and how do you think you'll get on?

We have Accrington at home. It will be a very interesting game considering that our centre halves Adam Dugdale and Dave Artell are suspended and Accrington are preparing for life after the departure of John Coleman to Rochdale. I reckon we’ll win 2-0 despite having a makeshift defence again!

Thanks Scott

My away day experience: Northampton Town

It has been a while since I’ve gone to an away game, as gone are the days of being a student and spending the majority of my loan on travelling the length and breadth of the country following the Bees. In fact, the last away game I went to was back last March: a 0-0 draw against Rotherham at the Don Valley. I thought I may as well start a new feature whereby I mark out my day away from home; it probably won’t make that much of an interest read, but never mind…

As you know, following my last entry – match report: Northampton Town v Barnet – my first away day experience is my trip to Sixfields.

8:30am – I woke up way before my alarm, which had been set for 9:45am, and was feeling undeniably tired and rough. I had been out the night before for a mate’s 22^nd birthday, and whilst it was only in Brentwood (pre-drinking at Slug + Lettuce before going to Sugarhut) and I left at  around 1am, I’d only had about five and a bit hours’ sleep. Maybe it was the excitement about the prospect of the day ahead?

10:40am – my mum dropped me off at Shenfield station, where I collected my pre-ordered tickets and bought some brunch – I knew I wouldn’t be eating on arrival in Northampton, and it made sense not to fork out a load of money on food in London – so I just grabbed a sandwich and a kitkat.

11:05am – my train for Liverpool Street departed and luckily it was the quick one, only stopping at Stratford and said destination (as opposed to the one that stops at every station from Essex to East/Central London). Despite it being packed out – I had to stand all journey – I can only assume most people were hitting Westfield and the other shops, it only took about 25 minutes; pretty standard.

11:30am – after arriving at Liverpool Street, I then had to have the mammoth task of taking the tube to Euston, which is where I’d be getting the train to Northampton.  As is the case, the majority of the time (how the hell are they going to survive when it’s the Olympics!?), a lot of the tube lines were either suffering severe delays, or simply not running. Normally I’d get the Metropolitan line to Moorgate, before getting the Northern line to Euston; instead I had to get the Central line to Bank, before hitting the Northern line. This ate into my journey somewhat, and it wasn’t made very clear what was going on, so there were a lot of people standing around, looking as confused as myself. I also fail to mention, I suffer from claustrophobia, and hate travelling on the underground, on my own!

11:55am – I arrived at Euston in good time, my train wasn’t leaving until just before ten-past. The train was already on the platform (10) and there were signals to say it was already boarding. There was a little bit more confusion, as only a couple of doors were working, and people were still standing around asking “is this the train to Birmingham New Street?” and “were we allowed to board yet?” – I jumped on regardless, managing to grab a table, and having a spare chair for my bag.

12:06pm – the train finally left the station, and I met a friend (who was with a couple of other people) on the carriage; meaning my bag no longer had a seat, and I had to lug it all the way there on my lap. A couple of drinks were flying about, much to a few disapproving looks from the other people in the carriage. The time flew, although it’s a quick journey to Northampton – an hour in total, with only five stops.

1:06pm – arriving at Northampton station, we got a taxi to our usual drinking spot – TGI Friday on the Sixfields complex. The taxi was little over £6, which worked out to a couple of quid each. With just under a couple of hours until kick-off, it was fairly quiet at TGIs , with only a handful of fans either at the bar, drinking, or sitting at tables with food – I’d certainly seen it a lot busier in previous years. I caught up with a couple of friends, before deciding we’d all take it in turns to buy rounds (as well as shots). As is normally the case when visiting Northampton, I was on cocktails only, picking out a different one from the menu every time.

2:45pm – by this time most people had already left for the ground (which is situated just across the road), whilst myself and a couple of other people continued to drink. This time, I was with the guys that sit behind me at Barnet. We did finally leave dead on kick-off.

3:05pm – we got to the ground, and only one turnstile was open and we were unable to get our tickets from the usual portakabin, where away fans go. Instead we had to walk all the way back round to the main entrance, and get our tickets from the home fan ticket office/club shop area. I was unable to get my student/concession ticket costing £15 from here, so had to fork out an extra £4 for an adult ticket – after the amount of drinks previously thrown back, I couldn’t really be bothered to try and a blag an under-18s ticket. Walking back round to the turnstile we heard the home side were already a goal up.

3:15pm – we took our places in the back row for the game. My only gripe about Northampton would have to be the amount of fuss their stewards make, regarding standing. They constantly eye you like a hawk and make you sit down. They even do it to the extent of guiding you to your own individual seat, which rules out any chance of continuing to watch with friends and sharing two to a chair. As is normally the case, they reach the point of not caring and go back to being jobsworths elsewhere. Why anyone should obey their strict regime anyway is beyond me…

5:05pm – to be honest, everything between leaving Sixfields and getting the train back from Northampton station is a complete blur. I think being in the open air had finally reacted with me. I can only assume we got a taxi to the station, before boarding the train home. I couldn’t tell you who I was travelling with, or how it was paid for… I was fine, however, when I was on the train, and met with a couple of friends for the journey home. On arrival at Euston we went to the pub for a couple of post-match celebratory bevvies. Said friends has frequented this drinking spot on the journey up. Everyone then went their separate ways – myself, Essex bound, and others, various areas of London.

8:40pm – After getting the tube across London to Liverpool Street, I got the train home to Shenfield. My mum collected me at the other end and I came home to be greeted with a KFC – which, as you can imagine, after no proper meal all day, went down nicely!

And if you haven’t seen it already, I recently wrote my pre-match thoughts on ‘Claret and white, no matter how shite’ and you can read my piece here.

Match Report: Northampton Town 1– 2 Barnet (Barnet Fan’s Perspective)

It was three League wins in a row for the Bees, a feat not managed for 112 games, and unbeaten in 2012, after a 2–1 victory away at Sixfields. A massive game for both sides at the bottom of the table, in what was being described as a six-pointer – but a win that saw the Bees widen the gap between themselves and the other relegation candidates: eight points from the drop zone, and up to 18th in League Two.

The side was not too dissimilar to the one that won away at Accrington Stanley last weekend, with Mark Byrne replacing Mark Marshall in midfield; he played wide right, whilst Deering was on the left, and Ricky Holmes partnered McLeod upfront. For Town, a debut was made for Chris Weale, goalkeeper on loan from Leicester City.

Weale was brought into play straight away, saving McLeod’s first minute shot, after a route-one clearance from Brill set the top scorer up. It was Northampton who then had the better of the play, and went ahead on 10 minutes – an in-swinging corner from Cobblers’ midfielder, Harding, and a goal for Adebayo Akinfenwa.

There weren’t too many chances of note for either side, although Brill was called in to play just before the half hour mark – a fierce free-kick from Jacobs, and an excellent fingertip save from the Bees’ keeper, who definitely saw it late.

It was a different story in the second half, and being a goal down at the break spurred the away side on. Three minutes in, and Mark Byrne drew Barnet level – a certain contender for Goal of the Season! A 20-yard curler, on his left foot, straight in the top corner; a screamer the home side could have no complaints about.

They could, however, feel aggrieved not to have a penalty after Jacobs was adjudged to have been pushed in the area. There wasn’t really a lot in the challenge, but it was one of those decisions that could well have been given on a different day with a different official.

And it was the Bees who were to be in the ascendancy following that decision, finally going ahead on 69 minutes; Ricky Holmes grabbing the goal, with a through-ball assist from Deering. Another great goal, lashing the ball into the bottom corner – despite claims from the Cobblers that their player was fouled in the build-up. There looked to be little contact at the time, and after viewing again last night, still proves inconclusive.

Another three points, and fairly decent display defensively from the team; the Bees will play host to in-form Crewe Alexandra at Underhill next weekend.

Attendance: 4,561 (away: 485)

Starting line-ups:

Northampton Town: Weale; Crowe, Langmead, Tozer, Adams; Young, Johnson, Jacobs, Harding; Akinfenwa, Berahino.

Barnet: Brill; Hector, Dennehy, Downing, Saville; Deering, Hughes, Kamdjo, Byrne; Holmes, McLeod.

Two minutes with… Swindon Town

Tuesday night saw the first leg of the area finals for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. We took on Swindon in the Southern section, with another 90 minutes at the County Ground to decide who will play at Wembley. To get this far in itself is a massive feat for the club, the furthest we have ever progressed in the tournament; although, reaching Wembley would be a remarkable occasion. In this instalment, I spoke to two Swindon fans, mates, Ollie and Robin.

10/01/12
Barnet 1–1 Swindon Town
(Hughes ’72 – Flint ’44)
Attendance 3,915 (away 1,414)

How did you get to the game?

Ollie: There were four of us who went and got the train over. We left Swindon at 4:41 and got into Paddington around 5:50, to then endure a long, hot and stressful tube journey on the northern line. We arrived into Barnet at about 7.25, the first time we had tasted fresh air since Swindon station!

What did you do pre-match?

Robin: The plan was to find the much talked about chippy that neighbours Underhill, followed by a pint in a local drinking establishment.  However the London Underground had other ideas.  Delays on the Northern line meant we didn’t get off the tube at High Barnet until about 7:25.  Therefore it was straight to the ground from there.

Ollie: Our pre-match routine was spent staring at peoples backs on the Underground and complaining at how hot it was... Sadly nothing to brag about!

 Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

Ollie: The four of us had the pleasure of standing in the side terrace, with our view being restricted by a pillar. Standing just in front of the food kiosk which was good, as could go back and forth when you wanted without worrying.

Robin: We had an excellent view of the two goals scored on the night, both at the South Stand end.

What did you make of the game?

Robin: The first half was an even encounter without too many clear cut chances.  Our goal from centre back Aden Flint was the obvious high point.  In the second half Barnet grew in confidence as the half went on, with Marshall and Deering a threat.  Most Swindon fans (and players!) were glad to hear the full time whistle.  It was predominantly Barnet pressure in the final 10 minutes!

 Ollie: The game was nothing spectacular in itself, scrappy at times and not recalling many chances for either side. Second half out come a very tired Swindon side after their victory against Wigan and the performance showed. Barnet had Marshall causing up problems and deservedly got MOM award. In my opinion, I think we did well to keep it 1-1 as I could see Barnet snatching a late winner. But I think the defence done well to keep it a draw.

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

Robin: Although drawing 1-1 from a winning position always feels slightly disappointing.  It has to be said, from a Swindon perspective, we are pretty content with a 1-1 draw going into the second leg at the County Ground.  Our cup exploits against Wigan on Saturday really showed in the second half, with many of our players looking very tired.  I still expect a tough game in the second leg though.  Some Swindon fans now think a trip to Wembley is a formality, but on the evidence of last night, Barnet are a much improved side from the one that got beat 4-0 in Wiltshire earlier in the season.

Ollie: Overall, I think 1-1 was a fair reflection on the game. Neither teams creating many chances. Neither teams standing out as winners. Some very sloppy play at times with both teams giving the ball away too often.

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

Robin: It hard to pick one for Swindon given we created very little in the second half. Simon Ferry, our central midfielder and playmaker, was probably our best player if I had to pick one.  For Barnet I would go for our former player Mark Marshall.  A much improved player since his spell at Swindon.  His pace caused us problems in the second half, particularly against some tired legs.

 Ollie: For Swindon, my MOM is Simon Ferry. Controlled the midfield well and picked up any loose balls. Opened up the game a bit more and used the space to exploit the channels at times.  Ferry has been one of our stand-out players this season and will continue to improve

Who do you play next and how do you think you'll get on?

We have Rotherham away at the Don Valley on Saturday.

Robin:  Another tricky away game.  Hopefully the players are sufficiently rested come the weekend, added to the fact I expect Di Canio to bring back Paul Benson and Alan Connell to the starting 11, I will travel to South Yorkshire fairly hopeful of getting a positive result

Ollie: We are missing McCormack who picked up his tenth yellow card of the campaign. Alan has been fantastic in defence alongside Flint. Originally a centre midfielder, Alan has adapted extremely well since being tried at CB and gets forward a lot causing problems amongst the opposition. I am predicting a Rotherham 2-1 win unfortunately.

Thanks lads

You can follow Ollie @olliehowitt and Robin @RW_Sharpe and check out their blog: ‘My Swindon Town Review’. You can also find my entry pre-Tuesday night’s game here.

Two minutes with… Bristol Rovers

Bit of a delay getting this instalment of ‘Two minutes with…’ up, but last Monday saw the visit of Bristol Rovers – the first game of 2012. And the year began well with an important three points and a clean sheet! Pirates fan, Henry (@HJBurridge on Twitter) shares his match day experience.

02/01/12
Barnet 2–0 Bristol Rovers
(McLeod ’69, Kamdjo ’80)
Attendance 2,537 (away 431)

How did you get to the game?

I got the train from Bath to Paddington, then having to get the tube along to Kings Cross for a train to New Barnet. I sorted my tickets well in advance and once I got to Kings Cross I found that the company had booked me on the weekend times, obviously thinking that Saturday services would be run for the bank holiday, so I had to wait around for an extra 25 minutes before catching a ride up to Barnet.

What did you do pre-match?

My dad is originally from London and grew up in Barnet, so it’s a trip I’ve always wanted to make. He lived on Leicester Road for a long time, so I walked along there from the station down to Underhill for a spate of sentimental family history.

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

I stood on the away section of the East Terrace, towards the halfway line. Considering the situation we find ourselves in, there was a decent away attendance and I felt we created a good atmosphere, singing throughout with some, shall we say, fairly original lyrics – I never thought I’d be chanting ‘one Pat Butcher’ at a football ground!

What did you make of the game?

It was a pretty drab game, even by League 2 standards; you can tell why both teams find themselves on the precipice to the Conference. Rovers didn’t offer a great deal until the last few minutes of the first half, mainly due to playing Matt Harrold as a lone striker, which was an odd decision given the importance of getting a result against a team as close to us as Barnet.

Taking off Harrold at half time due to an injury was fair enough, but to continue hoofing balls up to his significantly shorter replacement, Scott McGleish, after the break was ludicrous and the ball kept coming back at our shambles of a defence. It was always going to cost us and eventually it did; neither central defender took charge of a standard ball forward, letting McLeod in behind for the opener, from there on Barnet never looked back.

To the delight of the Rovers faithful, Paul Buckle was sacked on Tuesday evening and, it’s fair to say, nobody’s going to miss him around here! We can get a new man in now and, hopefully, pull away from the relegation zone; Sean O’Driscoll and Gary Johnson have been touted as possible replacements, with the former being my dream appointment.

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

Perhaps 2-0 was slightly harsh on us, but the way Buckle set us up meant Barnet were always going to have the bulk of the play. We’ve conceded nearly two goals per game in the league, so we were always likely to leak a goal at some point; we can’t really have any complaints.

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

I thought the two Bees wide men, Marshall and Deering, were a constant thorn in our side and looked the most threatening players out there. We tend to struggle against pace and movement and every time they picked up the ball they looked to put us on the back foot, which is exactly the way to give us trouble

 A special mention, too, for Danny Senda. He put all his experience to use keeping Mustapha Carayol, our only consistent attacking impetus over the past few weeks, quiet. He spent the latter few months of last season with us and quickly became a fans favourite, so it was nice to see him come over to the East Terrace and applaud both sets of fans at the end.

Who have you got next and how do you think you'll get on?

Next up we’ve got Aston Villa at home in the FA Cup third round. With Buckle still at the helm, many fans were looking at the game with trepidation, fearing Villa racking up a cricket score live on ESPN, but hopefully the players will put in the performance of their lives to impress any potential new boss.

 There should be a near capacity crowd at the Memorial Stadium for the game and a chance to show an international audience what Bristol Rovers are about. The anticipation amongst supporters is building and with the visiting fans less than enamoured with their season to date, there is a good chance for us to get something out of the game.

Thanks Henry

You can also check out Henry’s blog here, and follow him on Twitter @HJBurridge

2011 round-up (part four)

After compiling the round-up for months January-March, April-June and July-September, here is the fourth and final instalment to complete the year.

October

Despite previously stating the squad was good enough, Sanchez hinted at delving into the loan market, following injuries to Darren Dennehy, Ricky Holmes and Jordan Parkes – although they were all fit before the month was out. This view was reinforced further after his criticisms of the back four saying: “conceding an average of two goals a game is atrocious”.

The club was charged for failing to control their players, after the win against Aldershot. The post-match mêlée meant both teams were fined £1000. Charlie Taylor also felt the FA’s wrath after video evidence showed him spitting at an opponent – landing him a three match ban.

Some good news in October was that loanee, Gary Borrowdale extended his loan spell until the end of the year.

Sam Cox went on loan to seek first team football – joining Borehamwood for an initial month.

The month ended badly with a 6-3 home defeat to Burton Albion – with boos and jeers circulating the ground before the whistle had finally been blown. Sanchex fully accepted the blame saying: “I am responsible for that shambles… and that is a performance that a lot of clubs change managers on”. Ultimately, despite previous claims the squad didn’t need changing, he decided three or four new faces would be fast appearing.

01/10              Barnet v Northampton         (L)       1–2
08/10              Shrewsbury v Barnet          (L)       2–3
15/10              Barnet v Aldershot              (W)      2–1
22/10              Hereford v Barnet               (L)       0–1
25/10              Barnet v Southend              (L)       0–3
29/10              Barnet v Burton                  (L)       3–6

            3 points from 18
Goals For: 8              Goals Against: 16

04/10  (JPT Round 2) Gillingham v Barnet         (W)      3–1

November

 A lot of ins and outs in November with Sanchez sticking by his word of bringing in a number of new players. First to leave, however, was Lloyd Owusu, joining Hayes and Yeading on a month’s loan, after failing to start a single game. Youngster, Mauro Vilhete soon followed, another month away, at Hendon. Sam Cox extended his spell with Borehamwood by a month – he’d played six, won six, since arriving. Tommy Fraser finally left the club, after having his contract terminated.

Milton Keynes brought a fair few for their FA Cup game,
and Izale got a good reception, too!

Welcome to (1) central defenders, Paul Downing and Michael Hector, from West Brom and Reading, respectively. Welcome to (2) Jack Saville, a third young defender arriving from Southampton. Initially joining for a solitary month, he quickly extended this until January. Welcome to (3) Crystal Palce midfielder, Alassane N’Diaye, on a ‘short term’ deal. Welcome to (4) 24 year-old striker, Gavin McCallum. The Canadian international joining from Lincoln City was brought in to replace injured Steve Kabba. Welcome to (5) Cedric Baseya, a striker from Reading.

For the second time this calendar year, two Bees were picked out for the League Two Team of the Week – Dean Brill and Clovis Kamdjo. Not a bad feat for a side constantly in the bottom four.

Bad news this month for Steve Kabba, who had been suffering with a knee injury for some time – out for the “foreseeable future”, possibly for the rest of the season. The striker, who had signed a two-year deal was set to have to have surgery on the persistent injury in December.

05/11              AFC Wimbledon v Barnet              (D)       1–1
19/11              Bristol Rovers v Barnet                  (W)      2–0
25/11              Barnet v Macclesfield                    (W)      2–1

            7 points from 9
Goals For: 5              Goals Against: 2

08/11  (JPT Quarter Final) Cheltenham v Barnet          (W)      2–0
12/11 (FA Cup Round 1) Southport v Barnet                (W)      2–1

December

Love evening games - another Friday v Macc.

The stadium saga continued this month with the stark reality that it was more than likely the club would be leaving Underhill and having to relocate elsewhere – even as far as out of the borough. The club wrote to the Football League and in their reply stated that Barnet would be unable to start next season at their home of the last 104 years. Kleanthous said of the proposed move: “I, for one, will not shed a tear and want to look forward and think of how much we can achieve once released from the artificial chains that bind us. This blinkered council will never know what they had until they have finally lost it”.

Unbeaten in November was how the Bees fared – two wins and a draw in the League, as well as victories in the JPT and FA Cup. For this feat, Sanchez was nominated for the League Two, Manager of the Month award; he lost out to eventual winner, Mark Yates of Cheltenham Town.

Michael Hector, the young Reading defender, dubbed “a young Rio Ferdinand” extended his loan spell until January 2^nd. Lloyd Owusu left the club after returning from his time away at Hayes and Yeading. Sam Cox continued his time away at Borehamwood – extending his loan move by a third month. Steve Kabba finally had his knee operation in the middle of December and is now in the process of rehabilitation.

After media rumours, again, linking Sanchez with a move to be become Northern Ireland manager, he gave an official statement to the club pledging his commitment to his current contract. He made it clear: “no formal contact has been made [to me] by the Irish Football Association”.

And he continued to make headlines after being reported to the FA for reprimanding with the referee during the game against Cheltenham. He was sent to the stands following a dubious penalty decision awarded to the visitors – with players and fans on both sides still wondering what it was given for! The referee came out and said that Mark Hughes manhandled an opponent in the penalty area, but video highlights still prove otherwise. Lawrie was given two charges of misconduct – the first relating to his language and behaviour at halftime, regarding the aforementioned spot kick; the second is reported to have been as a result of leaving his place in the Main Stand during the second half and standing too close to the proximity of the pitch, to voice his opinions.

Gary Borrowdale, the QPR loanee had planned on extending his stay until the end of the season, but the move had to be put on hold before the year was out – contractual issues at his parent club being the reason for this.

A tough draw for the second round of the FA Cup.

09/12              Torquay v Barnet                           (L)       0–1
16/12              Barnet v Cheltenham                      (D)      2–2
26/12              Dagenham + Redbridge v Barnet    (L)       0–3
30/12              Crawley v Barnet                           (L)       0–1

            1 point from 12
Goals For: 2              Goals Against: 7

03/12  (FA Cup Round 2) Barnet v MK Dons     (L)       1–3
06/12  (JPT Semi Final) Barnet v Brentford      (W)      0–0 (5–3 on pens)

Match Report: Barnet 2–0 Bristol Rovers (Barnet fan’s perspective)

The New Year started well for the Bees with the opening game presenting three points and finally giving the fans something to be happy about. Needless to say, it was a fairly poor game against two evenly-matched, albeit, mediocre teams.

The Bees started the brighter of the two – the return of Man of the Match, Ricky Holmes, a definite highlight – his partnership with in-form, Izale McLeod always looked certain to reap rewards. On a different day, the home side could have been a number of goals up at halftime; however, McLeod had a tough time gaining and maintaining possession, as a result of a strong performance by the Pirates’ centre back, Cian Bolger. Rovers too, also had a fair few opportunities in the first period – Dean Brill pulling off a wonderful point blank save from Gary Sawyer. With And the Bees being unable to take advantage of playing down the slope, the score remained 0–0 after the opening forty-five.

After the break, Bristol Rovers brought on former Barnet striker, Scott McGleish – to a very good reception from the home crowd. He was, however, largely ineffective, playing as the lone striker; he squandered a chance, blazing a shot from 20 yards well over the bar, and out of the ground.

The deadlock was broken just after the hour mark, and it was the home side to take advantage of some poor defending by the Gas. McLeod, of course, netting his fifteenth League goal of the season. Pook’s long ball upfield was retrieved by a Barnet player, and after confusion between Bolger and Downes, the two players furthest back, Izale’s quick feet meant a simple lob over the Gas’ keeper. The Bees then looked resilient, whilst Rovers were depleted and it was only a matter of time before a second goal came. A short corner from Holmes, after much confusion in the penalty area, was drilled in by Clovis Kamdjo.

There was no way back here for the Pirates, with chants of “sacked in the morning” by the away fans, directed at manager, Paul Buckle, who has since, been relieved of his duties. Although the performance wasn’t great, and the team know they can do better, the Bees can be more than happy with the clean sheet!

Attendance: 2,507 (away: 431)

Starting line-ups:

Barnet: Brill; Senda, Hector, Downing, Saville; Marshall, Kamdjo, Hughes, Deering; Holmes, McLeod.

Bristol Rovers: Pook; Woodward, Bolger, Downes, Sawyer; Richards, Stanley, Dorman, Carayol; Harrold, Zebroski.