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Fax Frustration
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Top of the tree? Not to be…
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By:
Max Bygraves
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22/12/2024
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This article has been viewed 348 times.
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The hot topic in the bar pre-match was about a change to the bin collection day in the Barnet area. One individual particularly unhappy that this had happened without the right communication from the council. It’s a disgrace! The context here being that it was agreed that this high level conversation could only end up in the write up, if there wasn’t much else to add. You see where this is going?
As has seemed to be a bit of a theme of recent home games, it was another wet and wild afternoon. Our visitors from deepest Yorkshire were unlikely to be deterred by these less than pleasant conditions. However, in the opening exchanges, it felt reassuringly familiar. We had a lot of the ball and were dictating play. It looked like things could go in a similar way to last Saturday’s first half demolition of Ebbsfleet.
However, in the eleventh minute, the script was changed. A quick counter from Halifax resulted in Billy Waters tucking away to put them 0-1 up.
Such is the faith in this team, especially at home, this didn’t feel too problematic. It was even pointed out that back when we played them in 2005 to win the title, they’d gone 0-1 up early then. Maybe it was all an omen.
Our team know they’re good and you could see there was patience and calm across the side as we went in search of an equaliser. What was evident however was a certain level of unusual sloppiness. Several passes went astray or touches were just a bit heavy. It proved to be a running theme of the afternoon.
On twenty four minutes, a strange looking goal from Mark Shelton. Presumably it took a deflection of sorts as the ball looped slowly over the Halifax goalkeeper to level things up. We hadn’t been behind for long and looked ready to turn things around.
The rest of the half we were very much in control, though Halifax did show the odd sign of danger on the break. It was clear that they’re a well drilled unit and they did their roles well.
At half time, there was plenty of positivity about our chances. It was busy in the Legends Bar. 300 more on the gate than last Saturday was a very notable increase. Seemingly plenty making the most of the excellent bring a friend for free offer. The club really are throwing everything at getting people in at the moment. I’m all for it.
It was a drab second half. Halifax were happy to take a point although didn’t completely sit back. We had to defend resolutely as well. Going forward, we just couldn’t break them down.
Stead had replaced Browne at half time but didn’t have the influence he would have liked. Glover was taken off for Kanu for the last twenty but this had little effect. Cropper and Coker not being used as options was something of a surprise. We needed to change it up and the long throw of Cropper may have been a decent alternative outlet.
In the end, we had to settle for a point. It was frustrating and disappointing not be top of the tree at Christmas. Saying this, hardly the end of the world. 2nd on goal difference and unbeaten at home still - let’s keep a little perspective.
Some of the negativity in the ground was a little hard to fathom. Yes, we all want to win every game and go up, but there will be days like this. As I said last week, Barnet having three consecutive seasons of top 5 football is not something we’re used to. Perhaps some of us are losing sight given the regularity of us performing well.
My friend’s son’s full time reaction, having been coming since early 2023, was amusing. He was utterly devastated at a draw. I did point out maybe he’d been a little spoilt up to now and that he could be in for a rude awakening at some stage. No time soon though, hopefully.
By no means a classic but we move on. Boxing Day with another home game is a great chance to get back to winning ways before a tricky looking January.
There will unusually be an additional article here on Monday morning about arguably more important matters. I had the privilege of attending the club’s press conference on Friday where they unveiled the plans for the new ground. Potentially hugely exciting times ahead.
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