Post-Lincoln

The cliché is definitely true – football is a game of two halves, and versus Lincoln, we certainly saw the best and the worst of the team. Having heard so many positive reviews post-Chester (albeit, we had an extra man for the majority of the match) and Bristol Rovers (who are hotly tipped for promotion back to the Football League), I was surprisingly optimistic and actually looking forward to my visit to The Hive. I had yet to see us lose at our new home, in fact since our relegation, we had picked up at least a point in every game I’d seen. When I saw the team line-up on Twitter en route from Stratford, I couldn’t help but still feel positive (despite no place for Luisma) and my pre-match prediction was Barnet 2-0 Lincoln.

As much as the referee and his ‘assistants’ can be blamed for countless bad decisions, we couldn’t feel hard done by when you consider the manner in which we conceded the two goals which gifted our opponents three points. Frankly, we were lucky it was only two.

We didn’t get going at all – the man-marking was non-existent and the Lincoln players had so much time and space on the ball. When we did manage to gain possession, the combination of poor passing and hesitation meant we weren’t retaining the ball enough. As far as Lincoln were well organised, good on the ball and quick to close down, we were poor. It was almost like watching a couple of seasons ago – under the likes of Sanchez or Robson. I was really looking forward to seeing the new faces in action, but in the first half, the only player of note was Charlie Mac – unfortunately, service to him was abysmal. Stephens was the only other stand-out player – he’s consistently solid.

In the second half, Allen freshened things up with Muggleton and Mauro on for Johnson and Togwell – and both were quick to make an impact. It only took 10 minutes to pull a goal back – Muggleton’s long throws into the box looked deadly and finally one paid off, KMB netting – unfortunately it was only the single consolation we managed. Gambin later came on for Lee Cook and he too looked a danger. It was just so refreshing to see the ball being played out wide, we previously played so narrow, it was impossible to create something. Going forward we became more a threat and credit has to go to Townsend in the Imps’ goal for a number of quality saves that kept their lead. Based on the second half performance, a draw would have been fair, but we gave ourselves a mountain to climb. I’ve been meaning to see if there’s any footage of the penalty shouts anywhere – two were stonewall.

On The Hive: I still can’t make my mind up about it. While the facilities are incredible and going past it on the tube, you realise how impressive the site is, the atmosphere is constantly lacking and it’s just so lifeless there. I loved my seat at Underhill as I was surrounded by decent people, The Hive is just so dull – and not least because of all the grey. This time round I sat in block B (apparently the family stand) and no one within five rows of me said anything all game – the stomping of the feet on the metal floor of the stand was a complete ear-sore. But for the torrential rain, I’d have been there today – I want to take dad to see the new signings in action. Another good result, against a team that were in the relegation places last campaign. I feel the next real test will come next month, when we travel to Forest Green...

My first trip to The Hive – Barnet v Ipswich

The entrance to The Hive

My first trip to The Hive could not have come at a better time – coinciding with a pre-season friendly against Ipswich.

With the Jubilee line down, it was a mission to get to and find – arriving at Edgware on the Northern Line! Having jumped on a bus, the driver didn’t actually know where we were supposed to get off and we were dumped (with an Ipswich fan) outside a church around a mile away. Not the greatest of starts!

Met by the training pitches on arrival

The Hive observations

Finding The Hive was also difficult as it’s not signposted and it isn’t until you’re between the two houses that you’ll see it. Although when you’re on-site, it’s all very impressive – immediately in view of the training pitches, the stadium is in the background.

Main Stand seats

The kick-off was delayed, apparently due to crowd congestion at the turnstiles – we arrived dead on 3pm and there was practically no one to be seen. That said, we were directed to the wrong turnstiles by someone with “help” on their back (not much help) and I heard a lot of other people also complaining about being told wrong instructions (both Barnet and Ipswich fans). After making our way inside, we bought a drink at the kiosk (£1.50 for a bottle of water, by the way) and the service was just as slow as at Underhill – bear in mind this was only a friendly! That said, the food on offer already looks better!

View of the East Stand

I was impressed with the ground, but having already seen pictures on Twitter I knew what to expect. We sat in the Main Stand (I’d definitely choose to sit here throughout the season) which was very smart. Only three rows from the front, we were very close to the pitch but still had a very good view. I’m not a fan of the East Stand, as it looks very warehouse-esque – I don’t like the grey. However, I think terracing either end of the goal is a good idea, although I’m not sure how good the view would be. There are plenty of options though, dependent on what you’re after.

The pitch itself was also in immaculate condition and if it can be upheld like that throughout the campaign, we’ll definitely have an advantage. I suppose compared to what the Underhill pitch looked like at the end of the season (after the snow and other bad weather), anything would look good! The sprinklers are also a great touch – but expect to get sprayed at half time if you’re pitch-side or sitting towards the front.

South Terrace goal

North Terrace goal

The game observations

Ipswich played a fairly strong team, and despite being three divisions higher, I think we matched them. We played it around well, picking up from the way we played at the back end of last season.

Acheampong (from Welling) looks a decent acquisition and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him. His partnership in the centre of defence with Stephens could be deadly!

A position we seem to lack is up front. I think we need another striker. Crawford needs a partner, because despite the wingers getting forward (as well as Johnson and Yiadom at left and right back, respectively), he can’t play up front on his own. If Hyde does leave us, we will also need a replacement for him – someone who can bag 20 goals a season.

There were two trialists playing: Luisma and Roberto – sign both of them! We saw a lot more of Luisma and he looks like a Dani Lopez type player. Your architypal Spaniard really – full of pace and flair, great first touch. Watching him week in, week out would be mesmerising.

It’s going to be a season to shine for the youngsters. Johnson and Gambin looked very good, despite playing against players with more experience and at a higher level. Johnson in particular seems to get better every time I see him; I think he’ll be vital.

Back in the Main Stand where I belong!

At £10.50 a ticket (bought in the BOGOF offer), it was a good day, despite all the earlier disasters. I don’t recommend walking from Edgware station though. I’m hoping come the beginning of the season, everything’s a bit more organised or else there are going to be a lot of disgruntled fans!