GOAL LESS IN BARNET

Our 3rd consecutive away League game saw us travel a 52 mile round trip to the Maccabi London Sports Ground in Barnet home of London Lions. Despite the rain in the week leading up to the game the pitch was in remarkably good condition if a bit soggy in places. The weather however was cold and the wind blustery which made the conditions very difficult for the players.

At the start of the game our hosts were 10th in the table, 4 places and 2 points above us having played a game more. Their recent form was quite good having lost just twice in the last 8 games and one of those defeats was on penalties in a cup tie. On Wednesday they secured an impressive 0-0 draw at 3rd placed St Panteleimon so they were going to present us with a tough challenge.

We were missing Max Hercules and Josh Chamberlain but it was good to see 4 of our Youth Team, who recently did so well against Leyton Orient’s U18 Team in the FA Youth Cup, on the pitch in the second half.

The early action saw young Vicente Luciana make a couple of good saves whilst at the other end Frankie Hercules tested the home keeper with a well taken free kick from just outside the area.

Our opponents played a high line and we found ourselves getting caught off side throughout the game. We did manage to get behind the home defence on a few occasions but we lacked accuracy with our final pass or cross.

A home player did produce rasping shot that flew just over our bar and there were calls for a penalty when the ball appeared to hit the arm of a Lions player but the Referee waved away our appeals.

In the second half the play continued in the same vein as the first with clear cut chances at a premium. Vicente had to produce another good save and then to add to his reputation as a terrific prospect for the future he tipped away a well taken free kick.

Frankie Hercules was a whisker away from connecting with 2 fine crosses into the oppositions area and Dave O’Connor and Jack Harvey were unable to direct their headers on target. The game ended goal less which was probably the right result. FT Score 0-0.

It is always satisfying to pick up a draw away from home and also keep a clean sheet, our first since the 14 October when we beat Dunstable Town 1-0 at home and our 6th of the season. The point gained moved us up 2 places in the table to 12th.

This was a hard working performance from the players and we defended well as a team with everyone playing their part. On Tuesday we entertain Shefford Town & Campton at the Michael Anthony Stadium when hopefully we have the opportunity to pick up some more valuable points and move further up the table.

Team:

TA: Vicente Luciana, Harrison Cornick, Adam Sawyer, Greg Deer, Frankie Hercules (Guiseppe Delgaudio 72), Jack Harvey (Noah Butler 79), George Carbery (Capt), Dave O’Connor, Lee Stobbs, Jonah Howgego, Harry Shepherd (Jake Cowley 61). Subs not used: Harry Jones, Jamie Overton.

Crowd: 33