Nationwide Conference
  25 September 2004

By Iain Dalziel of This is Bees

Barnet weathered a storm of second half pressure to hold on for a point at Scarborough's McCain Stadium.

Despite losing in midweek Barnet kept the same side. Scarborough were also going into the game on the back of a defeat, after losing at Carlisle on Tuesday. However, they remained unbeaten at home and Barnet knew this was going to be a tough game.

The game started at a reasonable pace and it was Scarborough who looked the more dangerous of the two. Player-coach Neil Redfearn was spraying passes across the pitch, despite his age his class was still there to see.

The first chance of the game came around the tenth minute. This time a through ball beat the Bees defence and former Leeds player Tony Hackworth was put through. However, he failed to keep his cool and fired wide.

After this good start from the Seadogs, Barnet started to settle down and play their own passing football. The Bees first effort on goal came unsurprisingly from Grazioli. He got the ball just outside the area, with it bouncing in front of him and seeing the 'keeper off his line, he tried a similar thing to his wonder goal at Halifax back in August. Yet despite lobbing it over Leigh Walker's head the ball smacked off the bar. This wasn't the end for Barnet as it fell for Strevens, but his shot was blocked and cleared to safety.

A few minutes later the game's first goal came, it was scored by Barnet, Grazioli making no mistake. An excellent passing move starting in the midfield was finished off by Strevens squaring the ball across the six yard box for Grazioli to slot home into the empty net. The simplest of finishes for the league's top scorer.

After the goal Barnet eased off slightly and Scarborough came back into the game. The Seadogs pushed forward, but minus a few scares they were generally shut out by Barnet's defence.

However, just before half time Barnet had to grateful to Ricky Millard. His defence was beaten and only a brilliant close range double save from the Essex born goalkeeper kept the Bees in front.

Soon after Millard's save the whistle blew for half time. Barnet were in front, but it had been a very even contest.

Second Half

Scarborough started the second half as they ended the first, putting pressure on the Bees.

Seven minutes into the second half the Seadogs were rewarded for their persistence, with a tremendous equaliser. Impressive right back Tyrone Thompson made a run forward with the ball. Then from twenty five yards out he hit a spectacular effort into Millard far right top corner, giving the Bees 'keeper no chance.

Unlike Barnet after their goal Scarborough continued to press. Shortly after the goal it looked as if Keith Gilroy had put Scarborough ahead. Some slack defending allowed him to get one on one with Millard. Although he beat the Bees 'keeper his shot cannoned off the inside of the post and went into the arms of a relieved Ricky Millard.

This wasn't the end of the Seadogs pressure. Millard was soon back in action. Two great saves from long range shots kept Scarborough at bay. The woodwork was also struck again, but they just couldn't find the net.

Barnet eventually did wake up and start pushing forward again. Strevens had a good opportunity, but wasted it. The Bees number ten could have had a crack at goal or played it through to Grazioli as space opened in front of him, just outside the Boro box. However, he took it to the right and nothing came of that attack.

Despite Barnet starting to have a go Scarborough were not giving in, in their attempts to go ahead. With fifteen minutes to go it looked as if their hard work had paid off. Redfearn's free kick was parried by Millard, but only for Gilroy to bundle the ball home. Yet once again the Bees were let off as the linesman gave offside against the Boro forward.

Scarborough were having no luck, but Barnet weren't really creating much for them to worry about. In the closing stages Lee's low drive was knocked around the post and out for a corner by Walker. Then later on Grazioli tried to volley home from almost in line with the post. However, like Dwane Lee's effort it was saved and went for a corner.

Even though there was a hatful of chances in the afternoon, neither side could conjure up a winner and each had to settle for a point.

For Barnet the point did them good, as it kept them a point ahead at the top. For Scarborough drawing with the league leaders was a feat, but on the day they deserved the points and will be somewhat frustrated. This game was their fourth successive 1-1 draw at home and although it maintained the unbeaten home record they will feel disappointed at not grabbing all three points.

Barnet boss Paul Fairclough was delighted with his team's performance, despite all the pressure they were put under. He described his side as "resolute" and "gritty", calling it a "quality performance".

The Bees have certainly played better, but a point out of this was a good result. Next is a midweek derby against Stevenage Borough in the LDV Vans. A big personal challenge for Fairclough, former Boro boss, before another important, but tough, league game against Woking at Underhill on Saturday.

Iain Dalziel's Man of the Match

Ricky Millard The young stand-in had another good game between the sticks. Made several good saves and could do very little about the wonderful goal the Seadogs scored. Will Gore regain his place straight away?

Match Photos

Twenty-nine photos of the game by Chris Holland.

Bookings

Barnet

Grazioli (83)

Scarborough

None

Ref: M Tilling (Cleveland)

Teams

Barnet

Millard, Hendon, Yakubu, King, Clist, Strevens, Sinclair, Lee, Graham, Hatch, Grazioli

Subs Not Used: Tynan, Roache, Bailey, Lopez, Dobson

Scarborough

Walker, Hotte, Cryan, Foster, Nicholson, Thompson, Redfearn, Kerr, Gilroy, Senior, Hackworth

Subs Not Used: Foot, Pounder, Gill, Burton, Horrigan

Other Reports

BBC

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