Nationwide Conference
11 November 2003

By Iain Dalziel

A dramatic late goal from Bees centre back Chris Plummer earned Barnet a 1-0 win against struggling Gravesend & Northfleet.

After Saturday’s disappointment of throwing away a two goal lead Barnet were looking to make it three straight league wins. However, they knew this was not going to be easy, regardless of ‘Fleets lowly league position. Going into the game the Bees had not won in against Gravesend since January 1980, and in last season’s fixture at Underhill, Gravesend romped to a 4-1 win.

Martin Allen made three changes from Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Stalybridge. Liam Hatch was re-called against his old club, along with Williams and Lewis Hogg, who was returning from suspension. The three players out were Beadle, Lopez and Rooney, who failed a late fitness test.

Unlike most games at Underhill this season the game started at a slow pace with neither side creating any decent chances. The closest the Bees went in the first half was when Joe Gamble reacted well and headed the ball over the ‘keeper after O’Reilly parried a shot. However despite lobbing O’Reilly, Fleet’s big centre back Francis Duku headed the ball off the line. Barnet also went close when a powerful volley from Ian Hendon went just wide of the post.

Despite not creating many chances Gravesend were doing well and Barnet were finding them extremely hard to break down. Unfortunately the most influential figure in the first half was once again the referee. Mr. Woolmer seemed to be giving almost everything in Gravesend’s favour, and his linesmen were also making some odd decisions.

Second Half

The second half, like the first, didn’t start particularly well. Gravesend were defending well and Barnet’s frustrations were growing. The game wasn’t being allowed to flow as the referee continually blew his whistle.

With just over an hour gone Beadle replaced Williams and instantly the switch in formation appeared to have an effect. Though despite looking better going forward, at the back things weren’t looking as good. Shane Gore made a number of good saves and was very impressive at collecting and punching the ball in the air.

Both teams were looking for a late goal and one looked possible when ‘Fleet got a break. Ben Abbey, who featured on trial for Barnet in pre-season at Weymouth, was put through with Danny Maddix in hot pursuit. Maddix appeared to make a very good tackle, despite coming in from behind, but Mr. Woolmer didn’t see it that way at all. After stopping play and awarding a free-kick, the Bees were stunned when he gave the veteran Jamaican defender a straight red card. The devastated Maddix went off looking very down, and Barnet now faced the prospect of playing the final stages with ten men. Straight from the free-kick Gravesend created a chance. The ball was played into the box and Gore was again forced to make a good stop.

Despite Gravesend getting forward Barnet refused to give up. In the third of the four minutes of stoppage time Hendon lofted the ball into the Gravesend penalty area. The brilliant ball went straight to the feet of substitute Ben Strevens, inside the penalty area. At too much of an awkward angle to go for goal Strevens squared the ball to defender Chris Plummer, who calmly slotted it past O’Reilly into the bottom corner of the net. This sent Underhill wild! There had been a very good atmosphere all evening, and the crowd’s celebrations showed just how much it meant to fans.

Out of nowhere the Bees had won the game, despite playing well below their full potential. However, a sign of a good side is one that can play badly and win and that’s just what Barnet did. This may have not been the prettiest way to win, but nevertheless it was definitely very exciting and dramatic.

Barnet will have to be considerably better on Saturday as they travel to new leaders Chester City. The Bees only trail them on goal difference and will go into the game full of confidence, that come five o’clock this Saturday they’ll be top of the league.

Quotes from the Manager

"I have never criticised a ref in my time here at Barnet, but the decision to send off Danny Maddix was wrong.

"I was delighted with the result, but not the performance because Gravesend were the better team on the night in all fairness.

"These are the games we need to win, though."

Bookings

Barnet

G.Grazioli, 13, unsporting behaviour
I.Hendon, 63, unsporting behaviour
I.Yakabu, 65, unsporting behaviour
D.Maddix, 85, professional foul (sent off)

Gravesend & Northfleet

C.Moore, 9, unsporting behaviour
R.Haworth, 43, unsporting behaviour
S.Perkins, 90, unsporting behaviour

Referee: Woolmer

Teams

Barnet

S.Gore, S.King, C.Plummer, D.Maddix, I.Hendon, J.Gamble, L.Hogg, I.Yakabu, M.Williams (P.Beadle 64), L.Hatch (B.Strevens 74), G.Grazioli

Unused substitutes: T.Taggart, G.Lopez, R.Millard

Gravesend & Northfleet

P.Wilkerson, J.Skinner (J.Strouts 20), M.Lee, C.Moore, R.Owen, S.Perkins, S.McKimm, F.Duku, A.Drury, J.Pinnock (B.Abbey 72), R.Haworth

Unused substitutes: P.Gradley, L.Shearer, A.O'Reilly

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