The stark reality of playing football in League Two really hit home yesterday. The creature comforts of all seater stadia and the big crowd atmosphere we have enjoyed on the road over the last few years are but distant memories.
After sampling the humble surrounding of Underhill Stadium yesterday and the terrible view from the away stand i and many others are under no illusion worst venues are to follow.
Expectations were once again high before kick off amongst City fans but the writing was on the wall after only 12 minutes play.Midfielder Paul Evans celebrating his 33rd Birthday clashed with Barnet’s Puncheon and was taken off to be replaced by Scott Phelan.
Bradford spent the first half chasing shadows.Barnet were quicker to the ball and played some delightful passing football.
With half time approaching it looked like City would hang on in every sense and would have been happy to leave the field all square such was their poor performance,but Barnet had other idea’s and that man Puncheon once again delivered a dangerous ball into the City box. The ball bobbled and Eddie Johnson sliced the ball into his own net.
Half Time Barnet 1 Bradford 0
The second half proved to be better fare for the 687 travelling supporters from Bradford.
Stuart must have fired a broadside in the dressing room at half time because the improvement on the field of play was noticeable from the off.
A period of Sustained pressure from City finally paid dividends after Heckingbottoms long throw caused panic in the Barnet defence. Eddie Johnson was in the right place at the right time and made amends for his earlier mistake by hitting an unstoppable shot past a rook of players into the Barnet net.
Barnet 1 Bradford 1
City fans cranked up the volume from the terraces as Omar Daley twice hit the woodwork. Bradford at this point should have been in front but if you don’t take your chances when in control of the game you only have yourself to blame and on that note with time running out City were cruelly punished. A goal well into injury time from Puncheon, Barnet’s best player and constant threat all afternoon, was not what the doctor ordered.
In my opinion the free kick awarded by referee Miller was an absolute joke but that’s another story. Barnet claimed their first win of the season, and as for City they must come to terms with life in the basement Division.
Stuart and Wayne have got a big task on their hands that’s a fact based on yesterdays performance.
Final Score Barnet 2 Bradford 1
Player Ratings
Ricketts 6
Heckingbottom 6
Bower 7
Wetherall 7
Harban 6
Evans
Taken off after 12 minutes replaced by Scott Phelan.
Nix 6
Conlon 5
Ndumbu-Nsungu 5
Johnson 7
Daley 7
Phelan 8
Medley 5
Next Match
Johnstones Paint Trophy Tuesday 4/9/07
Doncaster Rovers at The Keepmoat Stadium kick off 7-45
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