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Nationwide Conference By Hector J Boyce Barnet cast aside any injury worries, and any recent criticism from the media about there ability to hold onto their conference lead, and immediately got stuck in. Dean Sinclair signalled Barnet's intent by scoring in only 22 seconds, with a well placed header from a delightfully floated Hendon cross. Barnet continued to pile on the pressure, with some great attacks down the left, lead by Graham, linking up well with Dwane Lee, and Liam Hatch. In the 15th minute, Crawley were awarded a freekick. The ball was fired into the box and headed on by Simpemba. Jenkins then managed to shoot the ball across the face of the goal, from no more than two-yards out. One of Crawley's best chances of the game - wasted. On the half hour mark, Grazioli cut short Neil Jenkins' attempted pass back, only to scuff the ball wide, to the relief of Jenkins. This was the perfect opportunity for Grazioli to round off his 25th goal of the season, and he really should have done a lot better. Scott Tynan was forced to save his first shot on target in the 44th minute, a flat effort from John Robinson, causing Scott Tynan little trouble. He quickly got up to roll the ball out to the left, with the move resulting in a corner. The Corner was headed back out by Hatch, met by a ferocious volley from Lee, his goal-destined shot coming off the back of a defender for another corner, this time Andy Little was forced to flick the ball over from Simon King's header. It was a half dominated by Barnet, who were unlucky not to gain a two goal lead at half-time having had most the possession and demonstrating some great moves. Anthony Charles though deserved a special mention, doing everything right. Winning every header, making some well-timed challenges, closing down any Crawley strikers, and picking out some exceptional long balls, spreading play nicely. Second Half Crawley tried to start the second half with the same force that Barnet had the first. Allan Tait poked the ball past Scott Tynan who tried to rush down the shot. The away fans seemed convinced they had equalized, however Anthony Charles thought differently. Turning on the pace, he beat the ball to the line and expertly turned it wide, earning much gratitude and a slap on the back from Scott Tynan. Barnet bounced back, Strevens earning a free kick outside the box, having been held back by John Robinson. Strevens knocked the ball into the box, where Hatch rose above the rest, firing the ball back across the goal, out of reach of the desperate Andy Little. This goal seemed to go to the head of Simon Wormull, who two minutes later brought down Graham with a dirty tackle from behind, clearly nowhere near the ball, referee Mr Birkett had a good view of the incident and showed Wormull the Red Card. Wormull may have thought he was unlucky, as others may have merely booked him, but there was no doubt it was a cynical challenge. Barnet's third came in the 71st minute. Clist sent in the corner. Grazioli's header was deflected. It fell perfectly to Dwane Lee who made no mistake in volleying into the roof of the net. Barnet then held onto the ball, not allowing Crawley the opportunity of a consolation goal. The defence passed it amongst themselves very professionally, infuriating Crawley Town, who by this point had made all three substitutions. Barnet really should have made the scoreline bigger, even doubled it, as unlikely as this sounds. Hatch missed an opportunity in the 89th minute, after a cross to the back post from Dwane Lee. He managed to head over from point blank range. Injury time brought two more chances, which Barnet should have capitalized on. Hatch was guilty of missing the first, as he tried to turn it around Andy Little, who saw what was coming, and smothered the ball. The Second was Lee Roache's. Breaking free for a one on one. Andy Little using his legs to save. Apart from the bad note to end on, it was otherwise a great day for Barnet. 15 points clear, with eight games left. Hopefully we could pull off another performance like this against Farnborough at home next Saturday, who we have beaten twice already this season, in the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Man of the Match Dean Sinclair Quotes from the Manager "This was not a classic Barnet performance but a productive one against a good side." Bookings Barnet No bookings Crawley Town I Simpemba 22 S Wormull (sent off for violent conduct - 51) Ref: D Birkett Teams Barnet S Tynan, I Hendon, S King, A Charles, S Clist, B Strevens, D Sinclair (86 G Lopez) , D Lee, R Graham, G Grazioli (82 L Roache) , L Hatch Unused subs: S Gore, W McBean, J Elmes Crawley Town P Smith, B Judge (64 P Armstrong) , N Burton, I Simpemba, S Hankin, J Robinson, R Kember, S Wormull, N Jenkins, A Tait (65 D Marney) , C MacDonald (72 J Healy) Unused subs: A Little, S Opinel Match Stats Possession: Shots: Corners: Fouls: Bookings: Other Reports Barnet Times If you know of any reports please email me the link on jsnow@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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