Nationwide Conference
07 October 2003

By Iain Dalziel

FOLLOWING Saturday’s 2-1 win over Morecambe, Barnet were looking to win their sixth game in succession, something they hadn’t done since late 1999, unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

Tonight marked the return of former bees star Sean Devine. The wild-haired attacker has had a good start to the season, and the bees knew they would have to watch him carefully on his Underhill return.

Another returning star was Giuliano Grazioli after missing the Morecambe game with flu ‘Graz’ was back in the starting eleven.

Once again Barnet began very brightly and some poor handling by Martin Rice, in the opening minute nearly led to a goal very similair to Strevens’ on Saturday. Barnet’s good start continued, Strevens in particular looking dangerous in and around the box.

The first half an hour Barnet were very much on top. First Ben Strevens forced a good save out of Rice; this was shortly followed with efforts from Grazioli and Peter Beadle. The bees then won a free kick on the edge of the eighteen yard box, when Beadle was fouled. The free kick was rolled to Hendon, whose beautiful curling effort went just wide of the post. After this the bees began to fade and allowed Exeter to get in the game.

Exeter began passing the ball about well and looked most dangerous on the flanks. After a few good attempts the Grecians surprisingly broke the deadlock. A good cross in by ex-Arsenal and Swansea winger Kwame Ampadu was well met by Brazilian centre back, Santos Gaia. The one time Corinthians player rose well to head home the first goal of the game. This left the bees in a state of shock after starting much better than Exeter they were now behind.

Second Half

Barnet began the second half by making two substitutions. Tony Taggart replaced Simon King and Williams replaced Beadle, who seemed to be injured.

Again Barnet started well, Taggart going close twice and Ben Strevens also forcing a save from Rice. However, like on Saturday the first major incident of the second half was a red card. Yet this time it wasn’t shown to a visiting player. The troublesome Coppinger was causing all sorts of problems down the right, too much it seemed for the re-called Lewis Hogg. The midfielder lunged in with two feet, studs showing, giving the referee no other option but to dismiss him.

Hogg’s sending off proved to be the games turning point. From the resulting free kick City went 2-0 up and looked to have put the game beyond the ten men Barnet. The free kick was well swung into the box and headed on by Sean Devine for Todd to lash home from close range. At this point it looked grim for the bees, Martin Allen replaced the surprisingly quiet Joe Gamble with Saturdays man of the match Guy Lopez, hoping this would inspire his side.

Unfortunately the game began to turn dirty. Following an incident near the touchline a huge fracas began, involving nearly every player on the pitch. When it was all split up three players were booked. Maddix and Lopez for Barnet and Devine for Exeter, but Devine had already been booked meaning his Underhill return was cut short.

Despite also being reduced to ten men the Grecians were still in control and went 3-0 up with little under five minutes remaining. A good ball across the box by Steve Flack was well finished by Cronin from six yards out. The goal really did sum up Barnet’s night.

After Exeter’s third goal a large number left, but those who stayed did see the bees score. Chris Plummer headed in from close range to give the bees a consolation. However, Barnet refused to give up and managed to grab a second, within the three minutes of stoppage time. A foul in the box gave Barnet a penalty and gave Grazioli a chance to make it thirteen goals in twelve games, and he did with a brilliant shot into the top corner. Though the bees were denied the chance of a comeback when the referee blew for full time immediately after the penalty.

Even though the final score was negative the bees did show a lot of character in stoppage time, and will hope they can do that from the start at Tamworth on Saturday. The large attendance of 2037 was very impressive too and Barnet still lie third in the table.

Iain Dalziel’s Man of the Match

Ben Strevens

Bookings

Barnet

J.Gamble, 39, unsporting behaviour
S.King, 43, unsporting behaviour
D.Maddix, 80, dissent

L.Hogg, 71, serious foul play (sent off)

Exeter

S.Flack, 25, unsporting behaviour
S.Devine, 28, unsporting behaviour
S.Devine, 79, second bookable offence (sent off)
J.Coppinger, 87, unsporting behaviour

Teams

Barnet

D.Forde, S.King (M.Williams 45), C.Plummer, D.Maddix, I.Hendon, I.Yakabu, J.Gamble (G.Lopez 75), L.Hogg, B.Strevens, G.Grazioli, P.Beadle (T.Taggart 45)

Unused substitutes: N.Sylla, R.Millard

Exeter

M.Rice, C.Todd, A.Jeannin, S.Hiley, S.Gaia, D.Lee, G.Cronin, K.Ampadu (S.Canham 90), J.Coppinger, S.Devine, S.Flack

Unused substitutes: G.Sheldon, L.Reed, J.Bittner, B.McConnell

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