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

2013 round-up (part four)

October

Players in

• Kieron Cadogan

The midfielder previously played for Aldershot but was one of a number of players released when the club entered administration. He had been without a club since.

• Dani Lopez

The return of the Spaniard! The striker rejoined on loan from Stevenage for three months. In his last spell, Lopez netted a memorable hat-trick against Morecambe, before being recalled by Boro.

• Carl Fletcher

Bringing more experience to the side, the Bees managed to capture the former Plymouth Argyle player/manager. He had been training at The Hive with the team pre-season.

News

• Despite not making an appearance since signing for the club, Nick Jupp extended his deal.
• Jake Hyde – an MRI scan assessed the damage to the ankle injury he suffered in training. The striker was ruled out for up to six weeks, hoping to be back by the end of the year.
• Curtis Weston – the midfielder was injured in the televised game against Wrexham and out for a number of weeks.

Results

05.10.13 – Welling United 1-1 Barnet (Conference)

08.10.13 – Woking 0-0 Barnet (Conference)

13.10.13 – Barnet 1-1 Wrexham (Conference)

19.10.13 – Hereford United 0-1 Barnet (Conference)

26.10.13 – Barnet 3-0 Concord Rangers (FA Cup)

Played 4 – won 1 – drawn 3 – goals for 3 – goals against 2 – points 6

November

Players in

• George Sykes

The 19-year-old returned from his loan spell at Bishops Stortford.

News

• Dani Lopez – after sustaining a shoulder injury, he took to Twitter saying “possibly I’ll be six weeks without playing my passion”.
• The Chile national side spent four days at The Hive, training ahead of their game against England. They were the only ones though – Germany also trained days later!

Results

02.11.13 – Barnet 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers (Conference)

09.11.13 – Preston North End 6-0 Barnet (FA Cup)

12.11.13 – Barnet 0-0 Welling United (Conference)

16.11.13 – Barnet 2-2 Cambridge United (Conference)

23.11.13 – Grimsby Town 2-1 Barnet (Conference)

26.11.13 – Dartford 0-2 Barnet (Conference)

30.11.13 – Hayes & Yeading 0-1 Barnet (FA Trophy)

Played 5 – won 2 – drawn 2 – lost 1 – goals for 6 – goals against 4 – points 8

December

News

• Luke Gambin returned from injury. The winger broke into the first team last season but a string of injuries meant he continue from where he left off.
• Edgar Davids received a two match ban following his dismissal against Dartford – his second of the campaign. After returning, he saw red against Salisbury and was slapped with a three match ban. He then decided to retire from the game, due to being a ‘victim for referees’.
• Keanu Marsh-Brown signed a new ‘long-term’ deal with the club, despite the rumours of interest from Football League teams. The midfielder also ended the year Bees’ top scorer.
• Dani Lopez returned to action following the two months he had out with a shoulder injury.

Results

07.12.13 – Barnet 1-0 Dartford (Conference)

14.12.13 – Barnet 1-2 Grimsby Town (FA Trophy)

21.12.13 – Hyde 0-1 Barnet (Conference)

26.12.13 – Barnet 1-2 Luton Town (Conference)

28.12.13 – Salisbury City 2-1 Barnet (Conference)

Played 4 – won 2 – lost 2 – goals for 4 – goals against 4 – points 6

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

2013 round-up (part three)

July

Players out

·         Sam Cowler

The goalkeeper left, having only made two appearances last season, as back up to Graham Stack. The former West Ham youngster took to Twitter to share the news stating it was a “difficult decision to make but at the end of the day as a footballer I want to play games”.

News

First trip to The Hive

·         The official site showed off this gallery of images to show off the progress made at The Hive. While the turnstiles had been installed and the floodlights under construction, work was well underway in the East Stand and a members’ bar was even being built underneath the Main Stand.

·         Davids was happy with the number and quality of the players retained but also stated he would be hoping for a few more additions come the beginning of the 2013/14 season.

·         Two Spaniards in Luisma Villa and Roberto Casabella were on trial with the Bees and Fairclough sang their praises post Hendon. He kept quite tight-lipped about their future in black and amber, but said a decision would be made by the end of the month.

·         The kits for the upcoming campaign were released: the traditional amber and black for the home kit, while the away strip’s purple and white.

Results

09.07.13 – St. Albans City 1-3 Barnet (pre-season)

20.07.13 – Barnet 0-1 Ipswich Town (pre-season)

23.07.13 – Barnet 4-1 Hendon (pre-season)

27.07.13 – Barnet 1-4 MK Dons (pre-season)

30.07.13 – Hitchin Town 0-3 Barnet (pre-season)

Barnet v Ipswich (pre-season)

August

Players in

·         Marciano Mengerink

The Dutch forward had been training with the Bees for over a month before putting pen to paper on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance. Joining from SDV Barneveld, he had previously worked with Schreuder.

·         Luisma Villa

The 23-year-old had previously played in the third tier of Spanish football, but began his career at Racing Santander, where he even played 20 minutes against Barcelona! Having impressed pre-season, he signed alongside...

·         Roberto Casabella

Another Spanish midfielder, Casabella most recently played for Moldovian side Milsami Orhei where he featured in the Europa League. As a youth player, the 26-year-old played for both Real Madrid and Atlético.

·         Nick Jupp

The goalkeeper arrived on a short-term deal from St. Albans City, as back-up to Graham Stack.

Players out

·         Dom Vose

Another Robson signing departs. The former West Ham youth player left by mutual consent with only two appearances in the black and amber to his name. He later joined Colchester United.

·         George Sykes

The young striker departed on loan to Bishops Stortford in order to gain first team experience.

·         Jamal Lowe

No stranger to a loan spell, Lowe joined Hitchin Town on a short-term deal.

News

·         Elliot Johnson and Luke Gambin both signed extensions on their contracts. Both players broke into the first team last season, with Johnson becoming a regular in the Bees’ back four.

·         The trio of international signings received international clearance ahead of the opening game against Chester.

·         Jake Hyde and Keanu Marsh-Brown were called up to the England C team after a number of good performances in the opening handful of games. Hydey had scored five in five, while KMB had already chipped in with two goals.

Results

03.08.13 – Barnet 1-2 AEL Limassol (pre-season)

10.08.13 – Barnet 3-0 Chester (Conference)

13.08.13 – Tamworth 0-0 Barnet (Conference)

17.08.13 – Gateshead 1-2 Barnet (Conference)

24.08.13 – Barnet 1-1 Nuneaton Town (Conference)

26.08.13 – Braintree Town 0-3 Barnet (Conference)

31.08.13 – Barnet 3-2 Hyde (Conference)

Played 6 – won 4 – drawn 2 – goals for 12 – goals against 4 – points 14

September

Players out

·         Freddie Warren

The midfielder left for Canvey Island on a month’s loan

News

·         Jake Hyde – the striker was sidelined for up to three weeks with a hamstring injury, sustained in the game against Lincoln.

Results

07.09.13 – FC Halifax Town 2-1 Barnet (Conference)

14.09.13 – Barnet 1-1 Lincoln City (Conference)

17.09.13 – Aldershot Town 3-3 Barnet (Conference)

21.09.13 – Alfreton Town 3-1 Barnet (Conference)

24.09.13 – Barnet 1-2 Macclesfield Town (Conference)

28.09.13 – Barnet 3-1 Salisbury City (Conference)

Played 6 – won 1 – lost 3 – drawn 2 – goals for 10 – goals against 12 – points 5