Nationwide Conference
Saturday 23 November 3.00pm

By Chris Holland

Barnet comfortably claimed all three points and in doing so kept their third consecutive clean sheet with a routine victory over Forest Green. The win now moves the Bees to within two points of the top five.

Peter Shreeves kept faith with the same starting line up who had seen off Leigh a week earlier and from the kick off Barnet began where they had left off. Michael Price and Fraser Toms posing an early threat down the left with Toms whipping over a dangerous early cross.

Barnet didn't have to wait long to make the break through when Junior Agogo's persistence was rewarded when he won a midfield tussle with Gary Owers. Agogo then played in Mark Gower on the right and his precise finish into the corner left Shuttlewood no chance.

Barnet had a host of chances to extend their early advantage, Arber heading just over from Gower's corner and good defending prevented the Bees from doubling their advantage as Lee Russell's last ditch effort prevented Agogo from a free run on goal. Yakubu then struck a 20 yard shot just wide and Greg Heald's shot was cleared off the line as Barnet looked to press home their superiority.

Agogo's pace was a constant threat to Forest Green and his flick header from Toms chipped pass was just wide of the near post. Shuttlewood was lucky to clear after Agogo beat him to the ball but the 15 stone goalkeeper got enough on the ball before hacking to safety. Agogo then turned provider setting up Strevens whose shot hit the side netting. A few minutes later he laid the ball off to Gower whose cross was well cleared by Coupe with Barnet attackers waiting.

Second Half

After the break Barnet continued to push on and Agogo twice flashed a shot across the face of goal with Heald almost latching on to one of the efforts. More good defending by Russell prevented Gower from getting his shot away after Price's long throw had come through a crowd of players.

The second goal seemed elusive and substitute Wayne Purser had three efforts, one hitting the post and two others just wide. Barnet finally got the second goal they deserved a minute from time when Gower showed great vision to find Agogo who brought the ball down before smashing the ball high past Shuttlewood.

The visitors were largely restricted to a few long range efforts with the lively Alex Meechan firing wide on two occasions. The visitors best opportunity came when a mix up between Heald and Naisbett left Sykes with the ball 30 yards out but his curling effort drifted wide of the far post. Forest Green's first shot on target came in the 92nd minute when veteran midfielder Alan McLoughlin turned before firing tamely at Naisbitt.

With a series of tough away games coming up, the management team will be hoping that Barnet can build on these last two performances. If we can keep the same starting line up and play with the same spirit there is every reason for optimism.

Man of The Match

Mark Gower - Precision passing and dangerous crossing was always a threat to the visitors defence. His goal was well taken and his assist showed his growing understanding with Agogo.

Bookings

Barnet

No bookings

Forest Green

Jon Richardson booked for unsporting behaviour (24)

Teams

Barnet

Naisbitt, Pope, Arber, Heald, Price, Gower, Doolan, Yakubu (Purser 66), Toms, Strevens, Agogo (Midgley 90)

Unusued Subs: Harrison, Pluck, Cashman

Forest Green Rovers

Shuttlewood, Coupe (McLoughlin 58), Richardson, Jones, Russell, Russell, Owers (Grayson 58), Foster, Sykes (Allen 76), Odejayi, Meechan

Unused Subs: Langan, Glassup