Nationwide Conference
21 February 2004

Report from Nationwide's Conference Site

Barnet won this battle of the play-off rivals comfortably.

The visitors, despite missing four regular players through suspension, always held the upper hand after a superb first-half performance against the shocking Shrimps.

The Bees took the lead in only the second minute with their first attack of the afternoon. Simon King delivered a dangerous low cross from the left-hand side into the Morecambe six-yard box and Joe Gamble raced in to sidefoot the ball home.

The visitors then extended their lead in their next attack. With 11 minutes played Ben Strevens took control of a loose ball on the edge of the Morecambe area and curled a delightful right-foot shot into the top left-hand corner of the goal.

Morecambe hit back with a brief revival. A Danny Carlton flick-on landed just behind the on-rushing Terry McFlynn and Dean Howell flashed a long-range effort wide of the left-hand post.

But Morecambe were soon smarting once again as Barnet added a third on 36 minutes. A cross from the right was headed against the underside of the crossbar and Simon Clist was on hand to bundle home the loose ball from close range.

Barnet at this stage were in total control and although Morecambe had the majority of the pressure in the second half, they never looked like losing their lead.

Second Half

Morecambe gained some pride with a spirited second-half performance, but for all their effort created few clear cut chances.

Goalkeeper Ade Bankole did well to hold on to a Jim Bentley header and a Kieron Walmsley free-kick before saving well at the feet of Ryan Sugden.

Morecambe almost scored on 66 minutes when a Garry Thompson volley flashed inches wide on the right-hand post before Jim Harvey's side were given a glimmer of hope when Carlton slotted home his 14th league goal of the season.

Wayne Curtis then saw a header well gathered by Bankole, but the second-half surge from the home side was too little too late.

Match Photos

Thirty five photos of the game by Chris Holland.

Quotes from the manager

"I have every confidence in my squad and we worked hard this week. We changed our system to come to Morecambe and the players equipped themselves very well. With four senior players suspended, the lads that came in did exceptionally well."

Bookings

Barnet

None

Morecambe

None

Referee: Tattan, J

Teams

Barnet

A.Bankole, I.Hendon, S.King, M.Rooney, I.Yakabu, J.Gamble, G.Lopez, B.Strevens, S.Clist, G.Grazioli (T.Taggart 87), M.Williams

Unused substitutes: J.Smith, S.Henry, S.Gore, M.Cumberbatch

Morecambe

C.Mawson, J.Bentley, K.Walmsley, D.McKearney (C.Blackburn 46), T.McFlynn (R.Sugden 37), S.Drummond, D.Howell (W.Curtis 67), D.Perkins, M.Stringfellow, G.Thompson, D.Carlton

Unused substitutes: N.Rogan, I.Swan

Other Reports

Barnet Cartoons
Barnet Times

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