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Nationwide Conference By Robin Thomas A bumper crowd turned out to witness another test of Barnet's Championship credentials as they travelled to the Broadfield Stadium to take on a Crawley Town side previously unbeaten on home turf this season. The vast majority of the 2,949 punters were to leave the ground in disappointment as the Bees turned in an imperious performance, including two stunning goals, in registering their 6th win on their travels this season and it is their unbeaten away record which remains intact after this ultimately one-sided encounter. The match was delayed for 15 minutes due to the vast number of people still waiting to enter the home sections of the stadium as kick-off approached. This delay merely added to the sense of anticipation around the ground of what promised to be an exciting encounter between two of the division's form teams. A healthy contingent of boisterous Barnet fans contributed to a crackling atmosphere, and the Amber and Black-clad hordes were encouraged by a strong start from their team when the match finally commenced. Barnet looked the brighter of the two sides from the very beginning, and created the game's first scoring opportunity in the 11th minute. Grazioli nodded Richie Graham's cross from the left towards the unmarked Dean Sinclair who, as the ball bounced awkwardly in front of him, was only able to direct a tame header into the grateful arms of Crawley's former England non-league international keeper Phil Smith. Crawley responded soon after when they came close to taking the lead themselves. A swinging cross from a free kick near the left touchline was headed down by the powerful centre forward Danny Davidson to team mate Neil Jenkins, who from 12 yards poked a shot just past the watching Scott Tynan's left-hand post. Barnet continued to carry the greater threat, however, and should have broken the deadlock when Giuliano Grazioli hit the side-netting from a tight angle after Nicky Bailey's dangerous low cross. The Bees were almost made to pay for such profligacy in the 27th minute when, after receiving a short pass from Tynan in an awkward position, Ismail Yakubu presented the ball to Allan Tait on the edge of the penalty area. Fortunately for the Bees, Tait delivered a reprieve to the young defender when he dragged his shot wide. Grazioli threatened again when he came agonisingly close to connecting with Dean Sinclair's flick on from Graham's left wing cross. One got the distinct impression that, presented with another opportunity, the Conference's premier sharpshooter would make it count. Sure enough, he did just that on 30 minutes, volleying Liam Hatch's fine cross into the top left-hand corner of the net from 20 yards. This was an example of finishing of the highest quality from a striker currently at the top of his game. Second Half Barnet may have headed for the dressing room at half time a little disappointed that they led by just a solitary goal, such was their superiority in the first period. However, any fears of a second half recovery by the home side were allayed somewhat two minutes after the restart when Grazioli grabbed his second of the game to double the visitors' advantage. Under pressure from Joe Dolan as he raced onto Hatch's through ball, he showed great strength and balance to stay on his feet long enough to lift a shot over the advancing Smith and under the crossbar. This goal may have been a little more prosaic than his exquisite first effort, but it is easy to imagine Grazioli feeling at least as much satisfaction with what was a classic striker's goal. In striking so early in the second half, the Bees appeared to have drawn the sting from the home side, and the league leaders could even have extended their lead as Hatch and Sinclair each spurned presentable opportunities. Indeed, so great was Barnet's control of the match it came as a real surprise when Crawley halved the deficit in the 68th minute, as Davidson converted Ben Judge's cross from close range. The home fans urged their team on as they sought the equaliser that would have barely seemed credible, but the Bees had chances to seal the victory, most notably when Hatch couldn't force the ball over the line as Graham's cross fell to him at a difficult height just two yards from goal. As full time approached, Crawley's most dangerous player, goalscorer Davidson, was withdrawn as Francis Vine attempted to provide his time with some added impetus in the closing minutes. Their challenge faded, however, as they found themselves thwarted time and again by the rock-solid Bees rearguard, which was ably protected throughout by the impressive Dwane Lee in midfield. In the third and final minute of injury time, with the Crawley players visibly tiring after ninety minutes of honest but uninspired endeavour, Barnet put the gloss on a fine performance in spectacular fashion. Phil Smith's weak left-footed clearance only got as far as Richie Graham, who played a cushioned volleyed pass to Dean Sinclair. The dynamic young midfielder controlled the ball on his knee 35 yards from goal before striking a dipping, swerving shot into the top corner of the net. A magnificent finale to a hugely satisfactory evening for Barnet Football Club, and the celebrations which followed the final whistle were rightly savoured by the players, fans and management alike. Quotes from the Manager "Three class goals that would grace the Premiership. If you see three better goals than that, then please tell me. I've got to take my hat off to the players. These are pressure games, but the lads are dealing with it and still playing such good football. "It's a tough league and it's tough at the top, but no manager in the world would not want to be in this position." Bookings Barnet Hatch Crawley Town Judge Ref: S Tomlinson (Hampshire) Teams Barnet Tynan, Hendon, Yakubu, Clist, King, Bailey, Sinclair, Lee, Graham, Hatch, Grazioli (Strevens 81) Subs Not Used: Millard, Roache, Batt, Elmes Crawley Town Smith, Judge (Armstrong 77), Simpemba, Dolan, Hankin, Harkin, Wormull, Kember, Jenkins, Davidson (Mapes 77), Tait (Marney 61) Subs Not Used: Little, Palmer Other Reports Barnet Times website Broadband Only: Links supplied by Brian Mackie. If you know of any reports please email me the link on info@bfcsa.net Want to write Match Reports? If you are interested in writing match reports for bfcsa.net then click here for more information. |
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