Two Minutes With... Lincoln City

Lincoln were the visitors to The Hive last Saturday – Lucy Rogers (@lucerogers) answers the questions in this instalment of Two Minutes With.

Saturday 16^th August 2014
Barnet 1-2 Lincoln City
                  Burrow ’15
                  Bencherif ’22
Marsh-Brown ’56

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

By car – a nice journey down to A1 in the sunshine!

What did you make of The Hive?

The Hive is a ground which has a lot of charisma. After visiting last year I was impressed and especially liked all the new facilities which we aren’t normally used to!

If you went to Underhill, how did The Hive compare?

Underhill was a ground I visited on a number of occasions to watch Lincoln. It was a ground I always looked forward to visiting. The slope was the best part about it!

The Match

What did you make of the game?

The match for me was the best away performance in many years. All in all, it was a very good game. It was a shock performance from us after a good start and was something no one in the Lincoln end was expecting! Both teams could have had more than a handful of goals each.

Who (from either side) impressed you?

For us, it’s the same player every week: Sean Newton, the left back. His left foot and cross is out of this world! He set up Lincoln’s first goal of the match and every cross he whipped in was threatening. Also, our goalkeeper, on loan Nick Townsend – he really should not be playing in this league. He was tremendous, pulling off saves that helped us on to the win.

For Barnet, I would have to say a player who always impresses me: Keanu Marsh-Brown. He is a very talented player and will go on to bigger and better things. There are a lot of big names at Barnet including John Akinde, Sam Togwell, Curtis Weston

Who (from either side) could have done better?

For us it would have to be Nat Brown, the centre half. He made a few mistakes which could have been costly. Another one for us would have to be Ben Tomlinson. Having scoring 20 goals last season he has currently not shown us anything of the sort. He is the type of player who is never in the game, then he comes in and nicks you a goal, something which he isn’t doing for us at the minute.     

For Barnet it is hard to say really. Someone who didn’t really impress me is John Akinde. He didn’t really do anything and we kept him under wraps.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

I think the score line was a fair reflection in the end. Being 2-0 up so early on in the game is very daunting and is a horrible score line, especially away from home because you expect the home team to come at you. Once Barnet got the goal back after half time, it was heart in mouth moments constantly! Barnet were very poor first half allowing us lots of space and we were able to pass the ball about a lot. However, second half they came out fighting and were impressive but just couldn’t find the other goal. For me it was an amazing result, a very good game to watch and a great advert for Conference football.

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

Braintree at home. I am hoping and praying for a win. It’s teams like this that we always slip up against but it would be very nice to keep the unbeaten run going. We do tend to beat Braintree though, home and away! Another clean sheet would also be nice. It won’t be an easy game though, and we must not think that either.

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

7/10

Purchases made at the ground

10/10

View

10/10

Quality of football

10/10

Overall experience

10/10

Total - 47/50

Two Minutes With... Bristol Rovers

Last Tuesday evening saw us face our first opponents at The Hive, with recently relegated Bristol Rovers the visitors. In the opening instalment of Two Minutes With, Henry Burridge (@HJBurridge) gives his thoughts.

Tuesday 12^th August 2014
Barnet 2-0 Bristol Rovers
Akinde ’22
MacDonald ’43

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I grabbed a ride with a few friends. The traffic was surprisingly light and we ended up reaching The Hive about 5 o'clock!

What did you make of The Hive?

I thought it was a tidy little ground, if unspectacular. Getting there so early, we popped in the main bar beforehand and I was really impressed; I can't remember a bar at a football stadium that looks that good! With the other pitches and facilities around the ground itself, it's a great set-up for a lower division club.

If you went to Underhill, how did The Hive compare?

My dad grew up five minutes down the road from Underhill, so it always had a sense of nostalgia for me. It's always a shame to see grounds like that go as they have more character than modern replacements, and more so considering the way Barnet were forced out.

The Match

What did you make of the game?

From our perspective, it was pretty poor – we never got going in the first half and left too much to do after the break. I thought Barnet played some good football and a few Rovers fans have underestimated the quality of the Conference.

Who (from either side) impressed you?

John Akinde, sadly. Being a former Bristol City player - not to mention a poor loan signing for us - I could've bet my overdraft on him scoring. He took his goal really well and showed a lot of strength against our centre backs.

Who (from either side) could have done better?

Our manager, Darrell Clarke. He changed the formation and a number of the players from a reasonable display against Grimsby in our opening game. I'd imagine Will Puddy, who was making his debut in goal for us, will be disappointed with the second goal as well.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

Yep, we were too slow in possession and made too many poor decisions. You can tell that we had a disjointed pre-season. I can only remember us giving Graham Stack one proper test all night.

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

We lost 2-1 to Altrincham on Saturday and Clarke made a load of changes again. The goals we conceded were shocking and the result has really hit the fans hard; it's stirred up a lot of the unrest from last season again. We've got Telford at home this weekend and desperately need a result to get supporters back onside, although that might be a slow process.

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

5/10 - £17 for a standard end terrace always looks a bit steep, but it's the same at most grounds now. I'm going to miss getting student tickets this season...

Purchases made at the ground

10/10 - I ordered myself a bacon baguette from the main bar and was stunned to find it freshly cooked, packed full of meat and great value for money. Never eaten anything better at a football ground! Finding they serve Stowford Press was also a pleasant surprise.

View

7/10 - We stood at the back of the terrace, which wasn't too high but still nice and tight to the pitch.

Quality of football

6/10 - From our point of view it wasn't great, but Barnet looked a tidy side, even though we were resigned to the contest being basically over at half time.

Overall experience

7/10 - A new ground, good cider and naff football; it's a pretty standard Rovers away day!

Total - 35/50

Two Minutes With... Hereford United

As Martin Allen took over the helm once again as Barnet boss, Hereford were in town. Bulls’ fan Gemma (@gemmalou12) gives her thoughts in the latest instalment of Two Minutes With...

Saturday 22^nd March 2014
Barnet v Hereford United
9^th            18^th
Previous game:
Macclesfield Town 2-0 Barnet
Wrexham 2-0 Hereford

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I travelled down by mini-bus

What did you make of The Hive?

It was smaller than what I was expecting but it wasn't a bad ground for being so modern

If you went to Underhill, how did The Hive compare?

I think the Hive had better facilities and it was easier to access but I preferred Underhill. The location was ideal and it was a traditional (old school) football ground

Match

What did you make of the game?

It was a standard game of Conference football – both sides with very few chances. From our point of view, it was a much more positive performance, compared to the last few weeks

Who (from either side) impressed you?

Jarrod Bowen (Hereford), part of the youth team was handed his first team debut and played well for the 70 minutes he was on the pitch – a very promising start for the youngster.

Keanu Marsh-Brown (Barnet) impressed me – lots of pace down the wing

Who (from either side) could have done better?

I don't think I could pick out any individuals

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

Probably overall yes, although both goals could have been easily prevented by us

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

Grimsby at home. I think if we can play like we did at the weekend, we could grab something from the game

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

7/10 – I think £17 for an adult in the terrace is about average for the Conference now but £23 to sit down is a little too pricey

Purchases made at the ground

8/10 – good value for a football ground

View

8/10

Quality of football

7/10 – a very standard game of football

Overall experience

8/10 – despite losing 2-0, I enjoyed visiting the Hive and the day as a whole

Total = 38/50

Post Match

Table – Barnet 6^th / Hereford 19^th

Following game

Cambridge v Barnet

Hereford v Grimsby

Thanks Gemma!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x

Two Minutes With... Woking

The Bees were hoping to make it six wins out of six under Uli and Dick at the weekend. Standing in their way were Woking and Cards fan Jacob (@JGreenwood91) is the latest to give his thoughts, in two minutes with. Be sure to check out his website Everything Woking and follow on Twitter @everythingwfc.

Saturday 1^st March 2014
Barnet v Woking
3^rd            17^th
Previous game:
Forest Green Rovers 1-2 Barnet
Kidderminster Harriers 2-0 Woking

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I came via train and tube. Driving would have been quicker, however the high car parking fee put myself and a few others off

What did you make of The Hive?

The best ground I have visited this season. Getting to the ground was easy, having a bar just for away fans was great and having the option of standing or seating is also rare in this league so that was good to have the choice

Match

What did you make of the game?

It was a very end-to-end affair. All of the Woking fans I talked to before the game expected to lose on Saturday and were impressed that we could compete and win. Finishing from both sides was poor at times but for the level we are playing at it was a very good standard of football

Who (from either side) impressed you?

Weston took his goal very well and brought pace to the game at times. Woking’s midfield was impressive and had to do a lot of defending and get the ball forward quickly to enable a counter attack. Both John Goddard, who won the penalty, and Josh Payne, who scored the opener, had good games for Woking

Who (from either side) could have done better?

Woking’s back four look nervous at times and could have prevented the Barnet goal so I would say McNerney, Ricketts and Howe as they were all at fault for the goal. I think Barnet underperformed as a team and all could have been better. They did create chances but they weren’t converted so I would say the strikers could have done more

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

Yes, I think it was. Woking played well and although Barnet had chances to equalise, Woking scored their third following a good team move and deserved the victory

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

Our current form reads – WLWLWLW

So on that basis, we will probably lose our next match, which is at home to Southport. They have been on a good run of form of late but I am confident we can get something out of the game

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

9/10

Purchases made at the ground

8/10

View

7/10

Quality of football

8/10

Overall experience

9/10

Total = 39/50

Post Match

Table – Barnet 3^rd / Woking 17^th  

Following game

Barnet v Gateshead

Woking v Southport

Thanks Jacob!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x

Two Minutes With... Grimsby Town

Grimsby were the visitors to The Hive on Tuesday night. Mariners’ fan and Chair of their Trust, Chris (@ChrisParkerNO6) gives his thoughts in the latest instalment of Two Minutes With...

Tuesday 18^th February 2014
Barnet v Grimsby Town
9^th           7^th
Previous game:
Barnet 1-0 Tamworth (Conference)
Cambridge United 2-1 Grimsby Town (FA Trophy)

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I had business in London so made sure I arranged the visit for a Grimsby away day in the capital. I was also able to meet up with my son who lives and works in London

What did you make of The Hive?

I made the visit for the Trophy game earlier in the season so knew what to expect. New, modern, with a bit of a ‘Centre Parcs’ feel about the place, but ultimately a bit soulless like so many modern grounds

If you went to Underhill, how did The Hive compare?

I actually played at Underhill many times in the late ’70s/early ’80s. At least The Hive doesn’t have a slope!

Match

What did you make of the game?

Must have been a decent game for the neutral. I thought Grimsby did enough to earn at least a draw but accept that it was finely balanced

Who (from either side) impressed you?

For Barnet, Stephens was very strong and mobile; whilst I like Jake Hyde, he is quite an intelligent footballer. Grimsby’s star man on the night was Scott Neilson who had an excellent game wide on the left

Who (from either side) could have done better?

Marsh-Brown is highly rated but on the night I thought he was all pace and no substance and was amazed to see he was awarded man of the match. For Grimsby Alex Rodman needs to stay on his feet more, he looked to go to ground when he didn’t need to. Very disappointed with him

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

Not in my view. As mentioned above I thought a point apiece was about right

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

The games come thick and fast, as we have five games in hand of some of those teams above us. First up is Cambridge in the FA Trophy semi final second leg, followed by Southport away in the league. 1-0 in 90 mins is my prediction for the cup game followed by a 2-1 away win in the league. You’ve got to be positive haven’t you?

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

£20 for a seat to watch Conference football is scandalous. Seriously, that is just wrong –1/10

Purchases made at the ground

No hand pulled ales in the away bar but still enjoyed my pint – 6/10

View

Prefer a side position (but not at £20) so stood behind the goal. Uninterrupted view – 7/10

Quality of football

Considering the level, very good – 9/10

Overall experience

Despite the result I enjoyed my evening out alongside over 350 travelling Mariners. That’s a decent following on a Tuesday night in February – 7/10

Total = 30/50

Post Match

Table – Barnet 6^th / Grimsby 8^th

Following game

Wrexham 0-1 Barnet (Conference)

Grimsby 1-1 Cambridge (FA Trophy)

Thanks Chris!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x

Two Minutes With... Aldershot Town

Tuesday night saw last season’s other relegated side, Aldershot, visit The Hive. Shots’ fan Rhys (@rhys9emberson) gives his thoughts in the latest instalment of Two Minutes With...

Tuesday 21^st January 2014
Barnet v Aldershot Town
10^th        20^th
Previous game:
Chester  2-1 Barnet
Gateshead 0-0 Aldershot Town

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I got to The Hive by train and then the underground

What did you make of The Hive?

It seemed to be a bit of a weird place to place a football ground, although it was quite modernised. However, I enjoyed the away end.

If you went to Underhill, how did The Hive compare?

Underhill was a lot more traditional, with pubs close to the ground. It had more of a football ground feel. Whereas The Hive was a lot more out of the way, with a strange walk en route, in the middle of nowhere. But given such short time Barnet had to build The Hive, it could've been a lot worse.

Match

What did you make of the game?

Some incredible goals, good forward play, and for once a strong away performance.

Who (from either side) impressed you?

Bradley Bubb – one goal and one assist. Since the last time he played for us, his forward movements have sharpened and there's a lot more composure about him; early days however as it's only his second game since re-signing.

Who (from either side) could have done better?

I'm still not sure how our first goal went in, so possibly the Barnet defence.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

From what I got to see of the game it was a fair reflection.

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

Halifax at home and given our free scoring home form I'd like to think we'll win scoring a few goals along the way.

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

6/10

Purchases made at the ground

5/10

View

8/10

Quality of football

8/10

Overall experience

6/10

Total = 31/50

Post Match

Table – Barnet 10^th / Aldershot 19^th

Following game

Barnet v Southport

Aldershot v FC Halifax

Thanks Rhys!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x

Two Minutes With... Alfreton Town

Alfreton were the first team to visit The Hive in 2014, as Barnet were looking to pick up their first points of the year. Reds fan James (@I_amjimcrooks) made the trip to North London and gives his thoughts in the latest instalment.

Saturday 4^th January 2014
Barnet v Alfreton Town
9^th           3^rd

Previous game:
Luton Town 2-1 Barnet
Alfreton Town 1-0 Wrexham

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I travelled separately from the rest of the Alfreton support. Coming to the ground on the tube, I got my first sight of The Hive on the approach to Canons Park Station.

What did you make of The Hive?

Initial impressions were of a small but tidy looking ground. 

I know there had been a lot of interest in this fixture amongst Alfreton fans, and a second bus had been filled for the long trip to Harrow. 

I arrived before the rest of the Alfreton faithful and decided to grab a coffee and watch the last 15 minutes of the Blackburn v Man City FA Cup tie. The facilities, whilst impressive, left me with little impression that I was at Barnet. I get the feeling that the club hasn't fully settled in to its new home. 

Match

What did you make of the game?

It was a tight affair, with the better of the chances undoubtedly going to Barnet and for that I would say they deserved their win. Alfreton missed the work rate and aerial ability of Paul Clayton who was missing through illness.

The goal that decided the game was worthy of winning any game.

The away support was vocal throughout, with the home fans finding their voice in the last 20 minutes. 

Praise must go to the ground staff: the pitch looked excellent despite the recent weather. 

Who (from either side) impressed you?

The midfield of Barnet looked good on the ball with plenty of slick passing to try and drag the Alfreton defence out of position. David Stephens was awarded the man of the match and I would say this was fair enough; however, Alfreton did play to his strengths.

Who (from either side) could have done better?

John Akinde is a frustrating player for me, as he looks dangerous on the ball and can at times be un-playable but doesn't have the work rate needed to play as a lone striker. 

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

There wasn’t much between the sides, but Barnet deserved the points for creating more clear-cut chances. They could have won by a bigger margin in the end too. 

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

We next play on Tuesday night, away at Lincoln City. This is as close as we get to a local derby with Mansfield Town now in League Two. Sincil Bank has been a happy hunting ground for Alfreton since their promotion into the Conference, so I'm quietly confident of a positive result there. 

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

7/10 – I paid £17 which is expensive, but is not out of line with other prices at this level. Some fans paid £20 to sit down however and this caused some confusion: seated supporters entered through the same turnstile as standing, we were unsure why you would pay extra when no one was checking. 

Purchases made at the ground

9/10 – Nice cup of coffee at a decent price, friendly catering staff. Good choice of beer in the bar, although I wasn't drinking so can't comment on quality. 

View

8/10 – Nice, new terraced stand for away fans. 

Quality of football

7/10 – Quite a scrappy game due to the conditions. Both sides looked good when getting the ball down and passing. Barnet had that bit more quality. 

Overall experience

8/10 – Decent game of football played in poor conditions but on a surprisingly good surface. A fair result with Barnet taking the three points. I believe both sides will be looking at a play-off place at the end of the season. 

Total = 39/50

Post Match

Table – Barnet 6^th / Alfreton 3^rd

Following game

Lincoln City v Alfreton Town (7^th January)
Chester v Barnet (18^th January)

Thanks James!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x

Two Minutes With... Luton Town

This year’s Boxing Day clash at The Hive saw us take on John Still’s Luton Town side. Hatters fan Dave (@DaveLTFC88) gives his thoughts in this instalment of Two Minutes With.

Thursday 26^th December 2013
Barnet v Luton Town
5^th           2^nd

Previous weekend:
Hyde 0-1 Barnet
Luton Town 4-2 Gateshead

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

Initially I had planned to take the train to West Hampstead and then go on the Underground to one of the stations surrounding The Hive; however, no trains on Boxing Day meant I went on the supporters coach for the short journey. 

What did you make of The Hive?

I was pretty impressed, I was under the conception it was a glorified training ground. The terrace that Luton fans were situated on was excellent for acoustics and making lots of noise.

Match

What did you make of the game?

Very happy with the game. With Cambridge and Grimsby both winning in early kick offs, the pressure was well and truly on us to respond, and we did that.  The first half performance from us was brilliant with Andre Gray's pace causing the home defence all sorts of problems. The tackle and the debate from it has spoiled what was otherwise a good advert for Non-League Football. Barnet came at us a lot more in the second half, and pulled one back but I think we just about deserved the three points. 

Who (from either side) impressed you?

For Luton, Paul Benson was once again a key performer. We've been yearning for a decent target man ever since we sold Steve Howard to Derby in our Championship Days and his partnership with Andre Gray is arguably the best in the League.  Alex Lawless continued his impressive scoring form making it 5 in 5 from an out-of-position role in left midfield. Jake Hyde was very impressive for Barnet too, won more than his fair share of headers against McNulty and deservedly got a goal in the second half.

Who (from either side) could have done better?

I don't think I could single out an individual who could have performed better, but I don't think it'd be unfair to say Barnet looked a lot more threatening with 10 men than they did with 11 - although I think some of our players were mentally affected by the injury to Smith which played a part.

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

I think most away fans would say yes, although most Barnet would argue they deserved a point. In my opinion it was a classic away day performance, and whilst they dominated play in the second half, Barnet didn't really force Mark Tyler into that many saves.  At the other end, Luke Guttridge wasted a three-on-one attempt in the second half at 2-0 which would probably have killed the game off. 

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

We play Kidderminster at home in less than 48 hours time. They've slipped off the pace a bit and we're in good form so hopefully we'll pick up three points to keep up the pressure on Cambridge at the top of the table.  After that it's the return game vs Barnet, again our home form is very good this season, and without wanting to sound arrogant, I'd be a little disappointed if we didn't take at least four points from the two games. 

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

8/10 – I paid £16 for a terrace ticket, which is probably around the stock price for a 'bigger' club at this level. 

Purchases made at the ground

2/10 – I tried to buy a burger pre-match but was told there was no hot food available.  A friend of mine also brought a hot chocolate which was very watery to say the least. Disappointing.

View

9/10 – Couldn't complain about the view, nice little terrace with no pillars in the way allowed for an excellent view 

Quality of football

7/10 – Both sides tried to play the 'right' kind of football and even going into the latter stages, the game never got scrappy. As mentioned earlier, it was a good advert for Non-League Football.

Overall experience

8/10 – Obviously three points is always a good start for an away day.  A very tough obstacle on paper overcome as we look to get back into the Football League. Refreshing to see a side try and play good football as well, although was slightly disappointing not to see Edgar Davids in action.

Total = 34/50

Post Match

Table – Barnet 7^th / Luton 2^nd

Following game

Salisbury City v Barnet
Luton Town v Kidderminster Harriers

Thanks Dave!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x

Two minutes with... Concord Rangers

Last weekend saw the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, with the winners going into the hat for the first round proper. Concord Rangers, of the Conference South were the visitors to The Hive and Beachboys fan, Alan (@Bulljet) gives his thoughts in this instalment.

Saturday 26^th September 2013

Barnet (8^th in Conference) v Concord Rangers (14^th in Conference South)

Previous weekend:

Hereford 0-1 Barnet

Weston-Super-Mare 5-0 Concord Rangers

Pre-match

How did you get to the game?

I was on the team coach, leaving Concord Island just after 11am.

What did you make of The Hive?

The facilities looked fantastic, however the away bar seemed very new with nothing really in there, almost as if it wasn’t finished. The stands were quality, bit disappointed we weren’t allowed to stand behind the goal though. The Hive was impressive for a non-league ground (although I know until last summer you were not a non-league side!) and the pitch looked like a carpet out there!

Match

What did you make of the game?

I was disappointed with the result, but it was a good game and made for a quality day out.

Who (from either side) impressed you?

Your lad Lopez, thought he played exceptionally well. The whole Barnet side moved the ball around very well – crisp and sharp play. Was impressed with the determination of our lads too, was a big occasion for them and they did themselves proud.

Who (from either side) could have done better?

The referee! Think he missed some key decisions, like our centre back being elbowed in the face quite clearly!

Post-match

Was the score line a fair reflection on the game?

The better side won that’s for sure. At half time I think the score didn’t really give us the credit we deserved, certainly hadn’t been the sort of half to see us 2-0 down in my eyes. But as I mentioned, Barnet were the better side, quite clearly a full time, professional side and were in the end worthy of the winning margin.

Who do you play next and how do you think you’ll do?

Next up for us is Ebbsfleet, big spenders over the summer and have proven to be a decent side in the Skrill South this season. However we’ve already shown ourselves to be able to hang with the big guys this season (see our 1-0 over Dover) and a decent result is not out of the question.

Ratings

Price of match day ticket

10/10 – I think it was a great price for 4th Qualifying Round FA Cup tickets (£10.50), I know league prices in the Skrill Premier are a lot more, so credit to the clubs for organising the rate.

Purchases made at the ground

6/10 – I think the drinks were overpriced in the away bar, especially given the shed-like feel of it. The food in the home bar was equally expensive however it was worth it, a decent cheeseburger!

View

7/10 – the seated views were very good, no doubt about that. But I wanted to be able to stand behind the goal, it’s one of the things I’ve come to love about non-league football.

Quality of football

9/10 – both teams showed desire, attempted to play the ball along the ground and attack, couldn’t fault it.

Overall experience

7/10 – average overall in my eyes. I think the attitude of the stewards in general was poor when asked about standing behind the goal, and standing in general. I know Barnet were a league club last season, but need to realise that they are not right now, and things are different for small clubs like ours that play in front of a couple of hundred people each week. But the football was very good, the experience of being in the 4th Qualifying Round made up for the bar prices and stewards!

Total = 39/50

 Post Match

Round One

Preston North End v Barnet

Following game

Barnet v Kidderminster Harriers

Ebbsfleet v Concord Rangers

Thanks Alan!

If you’ve been to The Hive this season, give me a shout and you can be your club’s voice. Additionally, if you know you’re heading down for your game, let me know - @Luuuce_x