Two minutes with… Rotherham United

With two matches at Underhill this week, Rotherham were the visitors on Saturday afternoon – and it was exactly this weekend a year ago that we played them at the Don Valley. It was a boring 0–0 that day, and it was a point a-piece again, with the scores level at 1–1. Rotherham fan, Dean, shares his match experience and thoughts post-game this time round. You can follow Dean on Twitter @deano83rufc. And for anyone interested in news on the Millers as well as pictures of their new stadium which is due to open in July, follow @rotherhammad or visit ‘MillersMad’, where Dean is Co-Editor.

03/03/12
Barnet 1–1 Rotherham United
(Byrne ’7 – Pringle ’50)
Attendance: 1,765 (away: 284)

How did you get to the game?

We travel by coach to most matches on our own organised bus, and yesterday was no different. Departure from the Colin pub in Kimberworth, Rotherham at 9.30am, arriving at Underhill around 12.45pm after a half hour stop on the way down to get fed and watered!

What did you do pre-match?

We usually go in The Old Red Lion with it being the closest pub, but took a walk down to the Queens Arms to watch the Liverpool/Arsenal clash and have three pints of lager. There was a healthy mix of both sets of fans, including a few in Arsenal shirts too. It was my 5th visit to Barnet and it’s always a relaxed day out.

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

I stood about halfway along the Central East Terrace – there was just short of 300 of us there – but as usual it’s a decent stand for atmosphere with the low roof to keep the noise in. We'd taken advantage of the Sun tickets token offer, so bought two for £19.50, can't go wrong!

What did you make of the game?

In the first half Rotherham were poor kicking down the slope, with the wind too. Byrne's early free kick set us back a bit but the double change at the break gave us a kick start. Pringle took his goal nicely but a draw was probably a fair result; however, disappointed not to win with the poor run Barnet have been on. Pretty much the story of our season though, inconsistency!

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

As I said, 1-1 was about right and it was interesting to see two 38 year-olds on the field in Warne and McGleish!

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?
In a scrappy game I thought Ben Pringle was our shining light even though he only figured down the left for 45 minutes.

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

We take on Crewe at the Don Valley on Tuesday night. Nothing less than a win will do to get back into the play-off race, but I'll go 1-1 again!

Thanks Dean

#LuceForBarnetManager?

It’s been a while since I’ve felt this strongly compelled to vent my frustrations; in fact it was subsequent to an awful defeat and performance against a pretty poor Northampton side. The match against Bradford on Tuesday night has quite frankly forced me to this little (or not so little!) moan – it could have easily turned me to depression or alcoholism! After working nine ‘til five on Tuesday at my place of temporary/part time work, I was to attend the game at Underhill – it was a busy day, and with only a 20 minute break during the eight hour shift, I was absolutely exhausted – and let’s face it, the last thing I’d have wanted is to go and watch Barnet play, particularly given their recent run of results. I’m not alone, gone are the days I really look forward to the weekend, namely Saturday afternoon – football just spoils it these days, and games like Tuesday night, frankly, ruin the entire week! I’m not going to go into the ins and outs of the game (mainly because you can find them here!) but I’ve run out of the words describe how absolutely awful (and awful is an understatement!) the performance was!

I know I’m not the only one to notice them, as I constantly hear people shouting various opinions throughout the game, in frustration. For some time now, though, there have been a number of points bugging the life out of me. So here goes:

·         Play to our strengths

I can’t help but think Sanchez has no idea how to utilise our best players, starting with playing them in their rightful positions. We have the likes of Sam Deering and (when he’s not playing alongside or behind McLeod) Ricky Holmes on the wings. To the people that say Deering isn’t a winger, I’d like to throw you this question: what is he? I certainly wouldn’t play him in the middle of the field, partly due to his height. He’s quick footed and loves to run at defenders, so why can’t the ball get played wide more often than straight through the middle? Too many times I’ve seen a handful of players on both sides bunched up in the middle, where it becomes scrappy and there’s a higher chance of losing possession. Get it out wide, allow the players to have their creative freedom and do their thing. For me, Sam was one of the best players last season, and Ricky recently hit some decent form too.

·         Long ball doesn’t work

And it has never worked, so give it up. Two obvious reasons for this one. One: lumping the ball forward to McLeod is an absolute waste of time because he will either be offside, foul the defender or not even bother jumping for the ball and allow the defender to clear, and the opponent to counter-attack (and probably score!). Two: the average height of our midfield is 5’8; we have: Holmes (5’8), Deering (5’5), Hughes (5’10) and Byrne (5’9) – and yes, I don’t believe these are correct, either! Really, what are the chances of any of them winning an aerial ball? Play it to feet, that way, possession isn’t needlessly lost. It can’t be that hard surely!?

·         Endear yourself

You haven’t got to be the greatest tactician, but if the fans love you, then half the battle is won. I mean a lot of my favourite players weren’t the greatest to ever don the black and amber, but they were decent people, and professionals. Snide comments to the media about vacant job opportunities, other managers failures and downfalls isn’t really going to help, is it? Neither is refusing to speak to the media, or giving the fans an explanation for losses and more importantly, dire performances. After all it is the average fan that pays good money for the match day experience, only to have to sit and watch the garbage you put on display – with no sign of remorse, post match. And don’t even get me started on the arrogance and feeling of ‘I’m better than this’ in standing with an expression-less face on the touchline, with arms folded, or hands in pockets – conveying a real sense of ‘can’t be bothered’. Just ugh.

·         Have a voice, be motivational

If you’re going to give off this whole ‘I cannot be bothered’ vibe, the chances are, it’ll rub off onto the players as well. Too many times of late I’ve seen players walking around the pitch, or worse, standing still doing nothing, expecting someone else to put the work in. Then there’s players constantly blaming everyone except themselves, shouting at each other (and by that, I don’t mean constructively…) and worse, like on Tuesday, a case of ‘handbags’! As manager surely, you have to take some kind of responsibility and have a level of control; the team obviously lack some form of discipline. This can only be reinforced by two red cards in quick succession to the same player: for spitting and kneeing. And like the case of Tuesday, going a goal and a man down early on, you have to say something to your squad to motivate them, heads are likely to drop. It’s no real surprise morale is low at current. To not say a single word is absolutely laughable. Except it just isn’t funny. Another point on Tuesday: even at three goals up, Phil Parkinson continued to bark orders at his team, getting increasingly over-animated; guess who meanwhile wasn’t doing an awful lot at all (unless you count hiding in the dugout)?

And a final couple of pointers:

·         Have a plan B
·         Have a plan C
·         And if all else fails, have a plan D!

At the time of writing this (on Wednesday, by hand – I’m a bit of  freak that likes to sketch stuff out first before typing; yes it is twice the work, but never mind…), I was looking forward to the next time I'd write when I’d hopefully have something positive to say. Today (Thursday night, as I type, although I’m sure you’ll be reading this on or after Friday!) I do: SCOTT MCGLEISH IS REJOINING US ON A MONTH’S LOAN! I fell in love with him aged seven, and he will always be the player I remember most from childhood. I’m not even sure what it was about him, but it may have been the goal celebration. As a kid, I watched the somersaults in awe! Anyway, I think he’s a bit of a club legend, and despite his age (38!), I hope he’ll instil some experience into the squad, even if he does end up appearing like he’s past it!

Match Report: Barnet 0–4 Bradford City (Barnet Fan’s Perspective)

Bradford went out resounding winners at Underhill last night, in what was being described as a “six-pointer”. Unfortunately for Barnet, more energy was displayed in the away team’s choice of kit as the Bantams looked pretty in pink.

The scoreline, which for those that didn’t know, read Barnet 0–4 Bradford gives a real honest reflection on the match. I heard people saying in the 15/20/30/40 years of watching Barnet, they’ve never seen a display like that. I’ve honestly run out of words to describe how pathetic, abject and frankly embarrassing the performance was. Instead, I’ll just sum-up the action.

Bradford came straight out of the traps and settled quickly into the game, testing Liam O’Brien (replacing Dean Brill) in the Barnet goal from the off. Desperate last-ditch tackles from centre back, Darren Dennehy, prevented City going ahead on two occasions in the opening 10 minutes. Unfortunately it wasn’t third time lucky as on 16 minutes he was sent off for fouling Craig Fagan. I couldn’t see an awful lot from where I was sat, but apparently he was the last man, and by the letter of the law, had to go. So the Bees were to play the final 75 minutes with 10 men and Fagan duly stepped up to take the spot kick.

Barnet 0–1 Bradford (Fagan, ’17)

Clovis Kamdjo, yet again got forward at every set-piece opportunity and a long throw from Mark Byrne, into the box, could have resulted in an equalising goal on another day. As it was, Clov’s header went wide. Instead, the Bantams went straight down the other end of the pitch and scored their second – an excellent cross from Kyel Reid for Jamie Atkinson to steer home, whilst the Bees’ defenders stood out of position and watched each other, rather than the flight of the ball or the opponent.

Barnet 0–2 Bradford (Atkinson, ’37)

I’m not sure what Sanchez said to the team at halftime, but whatever it was, it had no real impact. Bradford were easily in control for the whole of the second period: keeping possession, attacking at will and really making the extra man count.

Kyel Reid then netted his first, and Bradford’s third with a marvellous solo effort – picking the ball up on the wing before driving past two Barnet defenders and slotting it past O’Brien into the bottom corner. The keeper had no chance.

Barnet 0–3 Bradford (Reid, ’58)

With 15 minutes of time remaining, the home side finally had two attempts on target in quick succession – both were met with sarcastic applause and cheers from the crowd. The first by Izale McLeod was a lazy toe punt, hit with no real strength or effort, and the second by the usually quick and creative Sam Deering was a low attempt, again a tame shot, not even testing the Bradford keeper.

But the goals continued for the away side with only two minutes of the 90 left: a long ball from Rob Kozluk was met by Nahki Wells, who managed to stay on-side before rounding O’Brien and having the easiest of finishes into an empty net.

Barnet 0–4 Bradford (Wells, ’88)

The drama didn’t end there though, as before kick-off could commence, words were exchanged between McLeod and on-loan Reading defender, Michael Hector. With arms raised and team-mates trying to separate them, both received a yellow for their ‘handbags’. A bit of much needed entertainment for the Bees’ faithful, but added embarrassment, as if the performance hadn’t been enough. No real strategy, motivation or leadership.

Play-off hopefuls, Rotherham, come to Underhill on Saturday – can anyone else hardly wait..?

Attendance: 1,309

Starting line-ups:

Barnet – O’Brien; Hector, Downing, Dennehy, Saville; Deering, Hughes, Kamdjo, Byrne; Holmes, McLeod

Bradford – McLaughlin; Oliver, Kozluk, Seip, Davies; Flynn, Jones, Ravenhill, Reid; Smalley, Fagan

Two minutes with… Shrewsbury Town

A little bit of a delay getting it written up, but the last visitors to Underhill over a week ago were promotion-hopefuls, Shrewsbury Town. The Bees run of being unbeaten this calendar year in the League was finally ended, with Salop taking all three points. Soccer AM star, and Shrews fan, Steve Bradford tells me about the match and his experience at Underhill. You can follow Bradders on Twitter @bradders1stfc

18/02/12
Barnet 1–2 Shrewsbury Town
(McLeod ’48 – Kamdjo ’45+1 (og), Collins ’74)
Attendance: 2,046 (away: 457)

How did you get to the game?

Travelled down Friday on the train courtesy of Sky as a group of us were appearing on sky's soccer AM the following day, hotel in Brentford was also paid for so that was ideal.

What did you do pre-match?

We finished the soccer AM broadcast at mid day and then had taxis (again paid for by Sky) to take us to Underhill. Spent a couple of hours drinking in The Old Red Lion pub near the ground – decent size pub, but seemed to be away fans only so didn't really mix with any Barnet fans.

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

I Stood up in the away terrace at the side of the ground. An average terrace with fairly low roof, which I was glad to have as we had some of the worst rain I have ever encountered at a football match! Cats and dogs springs to mind!

What did you make of the game?

With the conditions very poor the game wasn't the best I have seen, however Shrewsbury coped well enough and dominated the game for large periods and ran out fairly comfortable winners 2-1.

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

Just about right I would say, Barnet had a couple of moments but Shrewsbury were in control for the majority of the game and deserved the three points.

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

Matt Richards for me: worked hard as usual, making tackles, breaking up play and keeping the ball moving. Richards also was the provider for Shrewsbury's first goal, an own goal by a Barnet defender.

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

Having already played Swindon since visiting Underhill (rather not talk about that one), we host Crawley Town at the New Meadow on Monday night, the game is also live on Sky Sports! Prediction - 2-1 Salop win!! Come on you blues!!

Thanks Bradders

And you can read my match report, here

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

The 2012 unbeaten run came to an end last weekend as the Bees lost to the Shrews at Underhill, 2-1. It won’t be a game to be remembered though, with some awful playing conditions which didn’t help in any way.

The away side proved why they are hopefuls for promotion, sitting pretty in the play-offs, attacking from the off with shots raining in on Dean Brill’s goal; Jon Taylor and James Collins going closest. It took a while for the Bees to get into the game, with Shrewsbury’s dominance, controlling possession and looking a threat; with Izale McLeod in the side, attacking chances were likely to arrive. Jordan Obita, on-loan from Reading was a particular highlight: tricks and pace down the wing and a number of beautiful deliveries into the box, unfortunately to no avail.

And it was Shrewsbury that were to go ahead, before half time, after some continuous pressure. McAllister was the man fouled, and a free kick whipped in from the right hand side by Matt Richards evaded all Town’s players and off the head of Clovis Kamdjo for an own goal. Kamdjo could have so easily been the hero just minutes earlier, a free header from a corner – the closest the Bees had gone all half.

Whatever Sanchez said at half time obviously worked as with little over a minute of the second period on the clock, top scorer, Izale McLeod netted – an assist from Ricky Holmes after his attempted shot was blocked by the Shrews’ defender.

With that you’d think the home side would be in the ascendancy and continue to press, given such a quick equaliser. However it was Shrewsbury that largely controlled the second half. In stark contrast, the Bees barely turned up – whether that was because of the conditions is yet to be seen, although at half time there was a torrential downpour. Possibly the worst conditions I’ve ever seen at a football match, you had to feel particularly sorry for the handful of fans standing on the uncovered North Terrace behind the goal, many of which, didn’t have umbrellas!

The winner came on 75 minutes – James Collins with the Shrews’ second goal: a cross steered past Brill after some brilliant build-up play. With little time remaining on the clock, Salop continued to keep hold of the ball and although McLeod could have easily got his, and the Bees’ second goal of the game with an overhead kick, it lacked any real power and went wide. Shrewsbury were good money for the victory though, and tried to keep the ball as far away from their own half as much as they could.

A game of two halves I suppose you could say, but Barnet could have no real complaints about being the losing side.

 Attendance: 2,046 (away: 457)

Starting line-ups:

Barnet – Brill; Hajrovic, Dennehy, Downing, Saville; Deering, Hughes, Kamdjo, Obita; Holmes, McLeod

Shrewsbury Town – Neal; Grandison, Jacobson, Sharps, Regan; Wright, Taylor, McAllister, Richards; Collins, Gornell

Two minutes with… a ‘The 92’ special

In a spin-off to the usual ‘Two minutes with…’ which delves into the minds of opposing fans visiting Underhill, I have been lucky enough to find one of my Twitter followers, Bolton fan, Joe Gibbons – the genius behind ‘Gibbo’s 92’. If you haven’t heard of it already, it basically is an insight into all the football grounds of all 92 Football League clubs (with a couple of Non-League thrown in along the way!). Anyway, Joe was at Barnet on Saturday for the Shrewsbury game, and I was able to catch up with him after the game to grab his thoughts.

What made you initially decide to do ‘The 92’?

My Dad mentioned the concept of ‘The 92’ in passing conversation one night. I was only aged nine at the time and thought it was a ridiculous thing to do! Why would I want to travel around the country watching other teams when I have the best team in the world on my back door step in Bolton Wanderers?

It was February 2009 and my Dad took me to a match at Turf Moor, Burnley. From that day on I was hooked and couldn’t wait to visit more grounds! I have been going to about one a month since. I enjoy meeting other football fans and taking my Bolton shirt to as many stadiums as possible!

How did you come to a decision about the order in which you visit each ground?

I haven’t got an order at all. It is totally random.

Stadiums which won’t be around for much longer take priority... which is why I was at Underhill on Saturday! You can usually find me on an away trip with my local teams: Bolton, Bury and Wigan.

What did you do pre-match and where did you stand/sit once in the ground?

I set off from my hometown of Atherton – a small place found right in between Bolton and Wigan – at around 09:00. I then caught the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Euston before dashing to Waterloo to check into a hotel.

I then topped up my Oyster Card – yes, a Northerner with an Oyster Card. Shock I know! Arriving at High Barnet I rather enjoyed jogging down Barnet hill, well worth another visit!

After taking a few photos and speaking to a few locals it was time to go in. I was stood in the East Terrace South. I was surprised at how many people were stood in the East Terrace... there were a few comedians there as well. Underhill reminded me somewhat of one of the rugby stadiums you find in Yorkshire.

What did you make of the game and was the scoreline a fair reflection?

It was a game of two halves really, whether the sloping pitch had anything to do with it we will never know. I was very impressed with Barnet in the first half and the stand out performer for me was Jordan Obita. He is one of the best young wingers I have seen on my travels alongside the two Bennett brothers – now of Norwich and Doncaster.

 In contrast I was very disappointed by the performance of Izale McLeod who never really got involved in the match.

In the second half Barnet couldn’t string together their passes, and Obita was non-existent on the left. Shrewsbury deserved the three points as they dominated in the second half.

What did you make of Underhill as an overall experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Barnet. The locals didn’t understand my accent, but after we had dealt with the language barriers I had a great day. I wasn't too impressed with the food available. As I am educated in Wigan I know a good pie when I see one, and unfortunately for Barnet, Pukka doesn't cut it for me anymore.

 I really liked how easy it was to reach Underhill from Central London.

 I love the more traditional grounds, and for that reason I put Underhill in my top 5 so far.

Which ground are you visiting next?

I am off to Charlton v Stevenage next weekend. I’ll have to get a house down here soon!

Thanks Joe

You can of course follow Joe on Twitter @JoeBillGibbo, and check out his blog ‘Gibbo’s 92’ for all things Football League: stadium reviews, photos and of course the most important part, pies!

Are you planning on visiting Underhill as part of a ground hop soon? To appear on ‘Two minutes with…’ contact me on Twitter @Lucy_BFC

Match Report: Barnet 2–0 Crewe Alexandra (Barnet Fan’s Perspective)

Still unbeaten in 2012, with four wins on the bounce, victory against Crewe Alexandra last weekend was made all the more easier by the dismissal of two of the Alex’s players in the first half. Had it been 11 v 11 it could have been a very different game against a decent side pushing for the play-offs.

It was the visitors who started the better of the two, straight out of the traps, keeping possession well and creating a number of chances. Byron Moore came close to scoring in the opening 15 minutes, hitting a shot wide into the side netting – the away fans believed they were a goal to the good. More excellent play on the wing led to a second chance minutes later – Moore this time with the delivery, but Greg Pearson missed the target.

It’s fair to say the Railwaymen should have been winning, completely dominating the game in all areas. However, the Bees had a decent chance before the half hour – in form Ricky Holmes crossing in a dangerous ball, without any kind of end product. And it was the home side that were to take the lead on the half hour mark. Sam Deering with a volleyed through ball to Izale McLeod, who was brought down in the penalty box. A red card for Crewe’s David Artell, who could have little complaints, being the last man. McLeod duly stepped up and scored his sixteenth League goal of the season from the spot.

Crewe continued to try and play possession football, creating chances to get back into the game; their chances came to an end though, with a second dismissal just before half time. Adam Dugdale the offender, a rash challenge on Ricky Holmes. From where I was sat, a yellow would have sufficed, but after watching back on various replays, the challenge looks worse every time, and a red was probably justified – studs showing.

It’s fair to say the sendings off affected Alex, and the second half was all about the home side, trying to make the two man advantage count and increase the deficit. New loan signing Obita came on for the final 35 minutes and soon proved he could replace the provisionally-suspended, Mark Marshall – with tricks and pace in abundance. The second and final goal of the game was scored with just over 10 minutes to play: another delightful cross from Holmes, and a goal for Reading loanee Michael Hector, capping off an excellent performance. He had been playing in an unfamiliar role as right back, but got forward at every opportunity.

Not the best of performances from the Bees, obviously helped by a number of refereeing decisions. On reflection the Alex can’t have too many complaints about the sendings off, and were, for proportions of the game, the better side.

Attendance: 2,263 (away: 336)

Starting line-ups:

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

Crewe Alexandra: Phillips; Tootle, Davis, Artell, Dugdale; Westwood, Murphy, Lowry, Moore; Powell, Pearson