An afternoon that ended with what’s become a more than welcome familiar feeling. These are enjoyable times. A job well done and an accomplished performance - in the end.
Very much pleasant Autumnal sunshine for this one but the sort of weather where you really double guess yourself on layers or clothing types. Let’s enjoy at least a hint of warmth at least before the pending big weather change. I’m not ready to not feel my feet at games just yet.
In a late turn of events, this ended up being a full blown family day out for me. Both kids and my wife’s first Hive visit in nine years. So we did our bit to nudge the crowd over the two thousand mark, anyway. My children are going to have such a warped view of Barnet as a team that always wins, at this rate.
Boston’s impressive 418 travelling fans very much played their part. Loud from the off, relative to the number of people there, one of the best away supports we’ve seen in the last couple of seasons. There was constant backing throughout as the Pilgrims fans made the most of their first trip to this venue.
With less than a minute played, we had a good chance to silence the excitable away end. A nice lay back from Tavares was met first time by Stead but his snap shot was saved by the keeper.
Six minutes in and the visitors had a real moment to enjoy. Keaton Ward was allowed in behind and made no mistake tucking past Hayes. Despite the decent backing all afternoon, I have to say the standard of bundles/‘limbs’ (especially given it was down their end) was pretty poor. Good goal noise though in fairness. Some of us do like to analyse these things.
The good thing about watching Barnet currently is that you don’t panic or worry in this situation. Immediately, minds were cast back to Braintree a few weeks back. We were fine then and we’d be fine now, wouldn’t we?
The rest of the first half was a frustrating watch. Boston had achieved what they’d come for and very much set out their stall to hold on. There was plenty of huffing and puffing from Barnet, but little else. Whilst having much of the ball, we weren’t doing anything really with it. We reached the interval 0-1 down and in unusual territory at home.
Cool heads needed all round as the second half kicked off. A Ben Coker free kick in the second minute rattled the Boston crossbar. For some, cause for optimism. For the cynics amongst us, a worry that maybe this was going to just be ‘one of those days…’
Two seasons ago, I think it would have been. Last season, it might have been. This season? It does seem different. Persistence, grit and ultimately, just a lot of quality.
In their 57th minute, Calum Stead was once again the man to call on. A delightful whipped ball in by Coker was met with a lovely glancing header. Boston may feel they should have defended it better. A big moment as their steely resistance was broken.
This marked a real shift in the game. They’d frustrated us to this point but soon, they were the ones feeling the anger of just not being able to cope with their opponents. I’d argue they actually did well not to capitulate.
A penalty appeal was turned down and some rather baffling decisions were given both ways by a referee who did not have his best afternoon. Glover was harshly booked whereas Hobson got away with not so much as a talking to for a very late tackle that was definitely card-worthy.
A bit of luck for the goal to give Barnet the lead, however. A fortunate flick up from a Boston defender was met expertly by the head of Nik Tavares from close range. Another impressive display from already one of the best ‘footballing centre backs’ I can recall seeing at Barnet in recent times capped off with a vital goal.
At 2-1, confidence was high we’d see this through but once the clock ticked towards the final five, a few nerves began to flicker. Boston had offered nothing in the second half but we needed a cushion to be sure. Thankfully, Nicke Kabamba had saved the best until last.
Not the best performance from the usually unbelievably consistent Bees number nine but this was more than made up for in the closing stages. A low cross from substitute Cropper was superbly tucked away at some pace with a very clever change of feet. The ball fired in off the back of his heel. A great goal from a man who does more to be labelled a genuine Barnet great, every week.
This provided us with a nice relaxed ending to proceedings. There was time for a fine challenge from Oluwo to deny Boston adding some respectability. A job well done overall, once more, after a very strong second half showing.
Bailey Hobson particularly stood out for his contribution in this one. Such a skilful player and his movement off the ball very much filled any void that Shelton’s suspension could have left. His one month loan soon drawing to an end. You’d hope there are plans to extend this in the longest terms possible. Hartigan also had a very good game playing in a role with less protection around him, given the attacking set up.
A break from league matters for a whole fortnight now. When it’s going this well, you don’t really want it to stop, do you?
Six wins in a row. Seven out of seven at home. 30 points less than a third of the way through. This is a time to really savour each game. Our current run of form the best since those incredible days in the Autumn of 2004. Look how that ended…
Saying all that, the FA Cup draw at home to lower league opposition is a chance of making the 1st Round proper and potentially go further. Consecutive second round exits have left some what ifs. We all know where last season could have ended up. It may not be a priority this season if we are going full pelt for first, but no one minds a cup run. A third round trip somewhere exciting feels very overdue.
I can’t make the game next week, unfortunately. Should it be needed, I will go all out to try and attend a replay, just to make the most of the opportunity before they stop at the next stage of the competition. A stupid decision by the FA that will rob clubs like ours of very significant days. Well done again to the club for not joining in the farcical National League Cup. Some great attendance records broken there midweek.
I’ve had my arm twisted that Solihull away is a good idea. This establishment’s editor is flying back from Ireland that week to join and it promises to be a fun day out for a decent sized contingent of us on an early train from Euston. I’m indifferent to Solihull Moors, but it would be satisfying to go there and get a resounding victory after what happened last time out. On current form, it feels like anything is possible.
Oh and the article title? If you’ve not seen the post-match interview from Brennan yet, take a look just for this moment. I think the guy’s answer makes it even better.
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