Nationwide Conference
12 April 2004

From the Nationwide Conference Website

Barnet supporters enjoyed a day in the sun at Underhill as their team came from behind to record a 2-1 win over Burton Albion. With Exeter losing, this result took the Bees into the fourth and final play-off spot.

Goals for sub Liam Hatch and captain Ian Hendon and a second half of almost constant Barnet pressure led boss Paul Fairclough to describe his players as "emotional, spritual and physical warriors."

The home team had trailed at half time to Robbie Talbot's clinical finish collecting player-manager Nigel Clough's throughball in the 30th minute. The striker carried the ball into the box before unleashing a left-foot drive from 15 yards that went in off the right post.

Barnet had more of the ball but rarely looked like making a breakthrough and with Burton adopting a defensive 5-3-2 formation they struggled to create openings.

Their one chance fell to the tidy Guy Lopez when the ball broke free after Hatch had forced his way into the penalty area but the midfielder's shot was softly hit.

Hatch was a constant threat after coming on in the 33rd minute, his performance all the more impressive considering he was on crutches just a week ago with an ankle injury.

Burton created the early chances with Terry Henshaw providing the energy and Clough the skill. Barnet were thankful to the impressive Matthew Redmile for clearing off the line from the lively Andrew Ducros after his mazy run and shot.

Second Half

Sadly for the Brewers they could not keep that level of tempo going in the second half and Hatch got the equaliser when he headed Joe Gamble's corner in from close range.

A Barnet winner was on the cards with Burton defending too deep and it came three minutes from time when Brewers captain Darren Stride pushed sub Gregory Pearson in the area and Hendon thumped in the resulting penalty.

Fairclough added: "It was all about mental strength today. We have had to go through an emotional rollercoaster in the last few weeks and the players have shown tremendous mental strength."

Quotes from the Manager (or whatever Fairclough is)

"To be facing adversity and to come back like they did was an outstanding achievement."

Match Photos

Thirty six photos of the game by Chris Holland.

Bookings

Barnet

S.King, 25, unsporting behaviour

Burton Albion

N.Clough, 58, unsporting behaviour
D.Stride, 89, unsporting behaviour

Referee: Graham, F

Teams

Barnet

S.Gore, I.Hendon, M.Redmile, S.King, C.Plummer, M.Rooney, J.Gamble, G.Lopez, S.Clist (L.Hatch 33), B.Strevens (I.Yakabu 46), G.Grazioli (G.Pearson 78)

Unused substitutes: D.Maddix, R.Millard

Burton Albion

M.Duke, A.Corbett, T.Henshaw, I.Wright, C.Hoyle, D.Stride, S.Shilton, S.McMahon (G.Kirkwood 70), A.Ducros, N.Clough (D.Wassall 75), R.Talbot (J.Howard 79)

Unused substitutes: A.Webster, C.Dudley

Other Reports

Barnet Times

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