Nationwide Conference
Tuesday, 18 March 3:00pm

By Chris Holland

Barnet turned on the style for caretaker boss Martin Allen to give the rookie manager his first victory in his first match in charge.

Despite the loss of no fewer than 6 first team regulars and manager Peter Shreeves who resigned the day before Barnet ran out relatively easy winners over their Merseyside counterparts.

Allen handed a debut to central defender Guy Butters signed on-loan from Brighton to partner captain Lee Pluck at the heart of the Bees defence. John Doolan also returned to the starting line up to replace Guy Lopez.

After a slow start, the game came to life in the 15th minute when an exhibition of one touch football gave Barnet the lead. Guy Butters stepping out of defence threaded a pass through to Purser, his flick sent Keith Rowland through and Rowland's cross was stepped over by Gower for Neil Midgley to fire low past Dickinson in the visitor's goal.

Moments later Barnet nearly doubled their lead when Wayne Purser found space meeting Gower's cross with a header that was too close to Dickinson.

Before the goal Guy Butters had done well as his well timed challenge prevented Paul Wheatcroft from testing Naisbett into action. The goal gave Barnet more confidence and they played with a greater freedom, though Southport had the chance to equalise when a swift counter attack resulted in Lee Mulvaney firing the ball wide of Naisbett's near post. Steve Jones also headed over from a free-kick

Neil Midgley spurned a good chance after finding himself in space when Purser's shot was blocked and Fraser Toms raced into the penalty area playing a dangerous ball across only for Southport captain Barry Jones to read the danger, preventing a certain second.

Barnet continued to push and when Mark Gower's corner was nearly met by Midgley, the ball fell to Pluck but Mulvaney was able to clear the shot. Flynn also fired wide late in the first half and despite a series of corners, Barnet who were applauded off the pitch at half time had to be content with a one goal lead.

Second Half

Barnet lost another regular when John Doolan was forced off half time, replaced by Bai Mass Lette Jallow. It didn't show as Barnet doubled their advantage early in the second half, Wayne Purser meeting Mark Gower's cross to head past Dickinson into the bottom corner.

Southport looked to respond by moving Earl Davis from defence into attack, and they were duly rewarded when former Manchester United youngster Paul Wheatcroft converted Howell's left wing cross with an angled header high past Naisbett. Seconds later Barnet nearly restored their two goal cushion as Midgley and Purser combined to force Dickinson into a scrambling save.

The match seemed destined to end at 2-1 until late on in the second half until Lee Ashcroft forced a full length save out of Danny Naisbett.

But it was Barnet and Neil Midgley who sealed the points, the Barnet striker meeting Mark Gower's corner at the near post and flicking the ball over Dickinson head and into the far corner. Southport almost grabbed a consolation as Naisbett tipped over a close range header from Davis.

Despite the poor crowd of 769, the home fans received full value for money and the team were rightfully applauded off the pitch. Though Southport won't have to wait long for their chance of revenge as Barnet visit Haig Avenue a week on Saturday.

Man of the Match

Neil Midgley, Barnet's two goal hero.

Peter Shreeves

I cannot end this report without paying tribute to Peter Shreeves, a truly great coach who has helped Barnet through one of the most difficult times in the clubs history. We were very lucky to have a manager of such stature, I for one wish Peter well for the future and would like to thank him for doing a good job. Whilst it is unfortunate to have lost Peter Shreeves, we supporters must now all get behind Martin Allen and the remaining players and coaching staff.

John Doolan

Since completing this article Barnet fans have also learnt of the departure of midfield dynamo John Doolan who signed for Doncaster for a five figure fee. Doolan made 200 league starts in a Barnet shirt since signing from Mansfield. A popular figure to all loyal Barnet fans a player of Doolan's calibre will be sorely missed by the club.

Bookings

Barnet

C.Pope, 82, unsporting behaviour

Southport

L.Ashcroft, 28, unsporting behaviour
P.Wheatcroft, 36, dissent
E.Davis, 61, unsporting behaviour
S.Jones, 90, dissent

Teams

Barnet

D.Naisbitt, L.Pluck, C.Pope, G.Butters, L.Flynn, K.Rowland, N.Midgley, J.Doolan (L.Baimass 46), M.Gower, W.Purser, F.Toms (C.Cashman 69)

Unused substitutes G.Lopez, Lee, R.Millard

Southport

S.Dickinson, C.Lane, K.Charnock (A.Scott 74), B.Jones, E.Davis, D.Howell, S.Jones, L.McGuire, L.Mulvaney (N.Moore 53), L.Ashcroft, P.Wheatcroft (Hogan 81)

Unused substitutes N.Gibson*, M.Clark, K.Welsby

* There were six substitutes according to the Nationwide Conference site linked to below, from where these stats are derived. I intend to look into this as I presume it is an error. Gibson doesn't appear on the team list on the BBC report.

Other Reports

Nationwide Conference
BBC
Southport's official site just ripped the BBC one.
There is an unofficial site that we link to (see links page) but they don't have a report up at the time of writing (which is hardly surprising!)

I am no longer linking to Barnet's official site's match reports. Please see here for more information.