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Coca Cola League Two By Robin Thomas Barnet succumbed to their first defeat of the season as a dogged Grimsby Town side took all three points on a frustrating afternoon for Bees players and fans alike. In spite of a rousing effort from the home side in the latter stages, Grimsby proved to have just enough determination, defensive quality and good fortune to enable them to protect the lead provided by their half-time substitute Calvin Andrew. In a quiet opening period Barnet started the stronger, but struggled to create any real opportunities as a pattern for the half was set. Richie Graham looked the most likely Bee to break the deadlock, but he saw his low shot from the edge of the penalty area fielded by Mariners’ keeper Mildenhall with ease. Each side lined up with just one striker, and perhaps predictably much of the game was played amidst a midfield malaise, a state of affairs which appeared to suit the away side. Barnet displayed what attacking intent was on show, and created their best chance of the half in the 41st minute. Dean Sinclair, returning to the side after missing the midweek triumph over Bristol City, linked up well with Ian Hendon, whose marauding run down the right flank allowed him to collect the midfielder’s pass and test Mildenhall from a tight angle in what was the last meaningful action of the half. Second Half Any hopes that Barnet would overrun a Grimsby team of apparently limited ambition were dashed as the visitors took a shock lead within ten seconds of the restart. A straight ball to the edge of the Bees’ box allowed substitute Calvin Andrew to time his run and send a looping header over a stranded Scott Tynan after out-jumping Anthony Charles. Barnet responded immediately as Nicky Bailey picked up the ball from kick off and drove at the Grimsby defence, only to see his powerful shot fly wide of Mildenhall’s left-hand post. The Bees struggled to find any rhythm thereafter against a well-organised Grimsby team, until the introduction of Liam Hatch in the 66th minute injected some urgency into their play. In the final twenty minutes of the contest the Bees managed to put Mildenhall’s goal under sustained pressure, forcing a flurry of corners and half chances. Perhaps the best of these fell to Hatch who, stretching, could only prod Graham’s chipped cross wide at the far post. A brave and committed Grimsby defence, marshalled well by the totemic Rob Jones, will have felt they deserved a bit of good fortune in keeping the irrepressible Bees at bay, and it was fitting that it was Jones who averted the danger as Barnet created one final opportunity in injury time. Good work from Hatch by the right touchline allowed him the time and space to pick out Simon King on the edge of the six yard box, but Jones’s heroic block prevented a certain goal, and confirmed the Bees’ first home defeat since February. Disappointment, then, for Paul Fairclough’s team, and something of a reality check after a stunning start to the season. However, Barnet were far from outplayed by a Grimsby team which showed them a great deal of respect, and this unfortunate result should not cause any observer to doubt the fact this young team is more than capable of making a strong challenge in League 2 this term. Bookings Barnet Charles Grimsby Newey Ref: S Dorr (Worcester) Teams Barnet Tynan, Hendon (Batt 81), King, Charles, Gross (Roache 86), Strevens (Hatch 66), Bailey, Lee, Sinclair, Graham, Grazioli Subs Not Used: Flitney, Bowditch Grimsby Mildenhall, Whittle, Ramsden (Croft 73), Robert Jones, McDermott, Kamudimba Kalala, Bolland, Parkinson, Newey (Andrew 45), Reddy (Gritton 45), Gary Jones Subs Not Used: Downey, Barwick Quotes from the Manager "Full credit to the players. They were throwing everything at it in the last ten minutes. I'm just so proud they kept going until the end. They gave everything they had got." (On Grimsby's goal): "It was a horrendous start to the second half. I don't think I have ever seen a goal like it. "It ... stunned the team for 10 minutes and really knocked us out of our rhythm because we did a lot of work at half time on planning and organisation but some of the greatest plans get dashed when something like that happens. It doesn't happen very often but it can throw you and I think some of the young players were rocked by that. "In the whole game Grimsby only had three or four chances, they didn't have any in the first half but with their first opportunity in the second they scored the goal." (On the forthcoming game at Wrexham): "I'm really looking forward to seeing how we respond." Ismail Yakubu on the Radio London commentary (during the first half) (On Adam Gross): "Adam made such an impression on the team and on the manager during the summer, I'm not surprised he is doing so well." (On being top of the table): "We are playing so well, we wouldn't expect to be anywhere else - at the very least top 3." (On his injury): "It's taking it's time - should have been only two weeks - I can run, but striking the ball is a problem - but I'm working with the physio and hopefully it'll be OK soon." (On Nicky Bailey): "He's been a great influence for us at the start of the season." (On Bailey's goal against Bristol City): "Yeah, that was a bit of a worldie, wasn't it?!" (On the current squad): "I've never been with a team that's so together - everyone gets on well - it's a pleasure being part of it." Other League Two Scores Other Reports Barnet Grimsby Independent If you know of any reports please email me the link on info@bfcsa.co.uk Want to write Match Reports? If you are interested in writing match reports for bfcsa.co.uk then click here for more information. |
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