MATCH REPORT: BARNET FC vs. OXFORD UNITED
FULL TIME SCORE: 0-2
Summary: Barnet’s run of three consecutive games without losing,
or even conceding for that matter, was abruptly stopped by a strong Oxford team
which dominated large chunks of the match, resulting in a deserved Barnet
defeat. The Bees had managed to stay strong for the first half and went into
the dressing room with the score goalless; however, on the fifty-sixth minute,
after some slightly sloppy defending, James Constable broke the deadlock from a
Peter Leven corner. Matters then turned from bad to worse when Sean Rigg took
advantage of a James Constable through-ball and duly slotted the ball away to
Cowler’s despair.
Affairs at Barnet Football Club have
been on the up recently since the arrival of Edgar Davids and, as my two
friends and I entered the familiar grounds of Underhill Stadium, I was
convinced that another win was imminent and that the trend that had become
apparent in recent weeks would continue: the skies were clear, and although it
definitely was not summer weather, a sense of optimism permeated the stadium.
Of course, however, all of these feelings were to be proved wrong…
As the habitual announcement of
the players in each team were read out by the man at the tannoy, it became
clear that Barnet were not playing anywhere near their full strength team. The
Davids-Robson duo had made four changes to the squad that had miraculously
managed to pull off an impressive win against promotion chasing Chesterfield.
The most notable of these changes was the fact that young talent Sam Cowler had
replaced Graham Stack and that Collins John was playing as a replacement to the
already Barnet legend that is Edgar Davids. Furthermore, former captain Jon Fortune was
back in the side, as well as Curtis Weston and Olly Lee.
From the moment the game kicked
off, it was obvious that Barnet were the second best team on the pitch, and, in
a fashion to which Barnet fans are accustomed, they struggled to get any form
of tempo and often reverted to old fashioned long balls. Conversely, Oxford was
made to look like European Champions, playing neat football, tying knots in the
Barnet defence. This led to an early chance which, fortunately for all Barnet
fans, did not bear fruit and resulted in an extremely wayward shot which flew
out of the stadium. Despite the lamentable execution of this chance, it was a
show of things to come and over the next fifteen or so minutes, Barnet were
bombarded by The Yellows (or The Light Blues, considering they were wearing
their away kit).
It was only after around twenty minutes that Barnet really began playing
and a clever through ball to Collins John created a half chance but there was
no-one in the box to square it to. Nonetheless, it was progress. Soon after
this, John was on the receiving end of another through ball and, unselfishly,
weaved it through to Clovis Kamdjo who fired agonisingly wide from around
twelve yards out.
Eventually, after what can only be described as a disappointing first
half with relatively little clear cut chances from either side, Barnet went
into half time, pondering the dismal first half that had just taken place.
Nevertheless, they were still on route for a fourth consecutive clean sheet and
supporters were still hopeful of the recurrence of the happy events that occured
last Saturday.
These optimistic thoughts were in vain, however, as Oxford gained
further control over the game and it was only a matter of time before Oxford
took the lead through a teasing, in swinging corner by Peter Leven which was
met by the head of James Constable.
Not even this was enough to wake up the Bees and they were really
struggling to create anything which resembled some sort of attack. Instead they
laid back and let Oxford do all the attacking. Not the cleverest of ideas. Even
so, this plan seemed to be working until the eightieth minute when Sean Rigg
latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from James Constable, which he
efficiently tucked away.
The score was now 2-0 to the visitors; a fair result. There were a few
moments of brilliance from the Barnet players, such as when Yiadom went on an
adventurous run and managed to beat a handful of players, only to make a mistake
on the easiest of passes. Moreover, spectators were treated to a great piece of great skill from Olly Lee
but, predictably, this amounted to nothing.
Overall, the right team won and hopefully, we will have a much stronger
team on Tuesday when we play against Torquay which is, ultimately, a much more
important game. Despite that, it was a very disappointing display and not one
which I took much pleasure in witnessing.
PLAYER RATINGS:
Sam Cowler: 6 - It would be harsh to say he was at fault for
both of their goals but he seemed to lack the presence that Stack creates and
at points seemed a bit nervy.
Barry Fuller: 6 - Made a couple of crucial tackles but
was often out of place at certain times.
Jon Fortune: 5 - Was good to see the return of the
former captain and he was useful at some points but made a few sloppy passes
and looked slightly uncomfortable at points.
Danny Stephens: 7 - As usual, a solid performance. Seems
unbeatable in the air.
Jordan Brown: 6.5 - Did not do too much right or wrong.
Olly Lee: 6.5 - Had good moments and was not afraid
to shoot but there is still something lacking from his game.
Mark Byrne: 5 - Was quite anonymous throughout the
course of the game.
Curtis Weston: 5 - Similar to Byrne. Was anonymous and
when he did get the ball he tended to lose it.
Andy Yiadom: 7.5 - By no means did he have a
spectacular game but he posed a threat whenever he got the ball and was one of
the only players who tested their defence.
Clovis Kamdjo: 8 - An ever reliant member of the squad
who was comfortable when on the ball and created most of our chances. Man of
the Match
Collins John: 4.5 - Was quite slow moving around and
consistently lost the ball. Still seems unfit to play. On the other hand, got
into good positions for our main chances.
SUBS
Edgar Davids: 6 - Although not spectacular, his
overall presence adds something to the squad. Sensible with possession.
Jamal Lowe: 5 - Did not make an impact
Iffy Allen: 4 - Did not notice him
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