Look Black n Amber

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.