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Wynter Warmer
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A second half equaliser earns a point in Hertfordshire to begin the new year on the same positive trail…
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By:
Max Bygraves
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04/01/2023
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This article has been viewed 1156 times.
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I can honestly say this time last year I didn’t think I would begin 2023 with excitement about going to Boreham Wood away, nor spend my birthday the following day from the game with a slight Barnet inflicted hangover. Hence the delayed article.
There is an undoubted feel good factor around the club at the moment. It’s been a long time coming, but you can’t help but enjoy the positivity that currently abounds.
A likeable, honest team, outperforming pre-season expectations and unity within the fan base we’ve not seen for a long time.
This website has not been a den of positivity over time. We’re often the first to call out the bad stuff, but it’s really refreshing to be in a scenario at the moment where following the club again is enjoyable. Although we do get more hits for the controversial articles… Everyone loves a moan, don’t they?
When I returned home from my day in Hertfordshire via the Railway Tavern, gushing about a great away day, my wife did question the contrast in my attitude to Barnet from now to maybe 6 months ago. The word “fickle” may have featured and it’s hard to argue with it. But as alluded to in the article after the Wealdstone game, my sustained attendance and a fresh outlook has given me a real new lease of life to supporting the club after a considerable hiatus.
I must admit to feeling slightly fraudulent for the first half a dozen or so games back. Why am I doing this? Am I just a massive hypocrite who will look silly when I’ve given up by November? It’s strange going to football matches questioning yourself for being there and how much you should be legitimately enjoying yourself.
I found myself really up for this one, though. Yesterday was my 173rd Barnet away game (thanks to my learned colleague for the stats this site provides for anoraks like myself for this). I think I can claim authenticity at this stage - but it now all feels significant again.
There was a lot of nostalgic warmth about the day. Meeting in the Railway Bell at 11:30 (it would have been 9 in the old days) with a few mates, we were soon joined by a considerable number of familiar faces. The beers flowed, there was lots of laughter and conversation amongst friends, many of whom hadn’t seen each other in this context in a long time.
998 away fans was a very decent following and after a queue which meant a good chunk of us missed kick off, we packed our way around almost half of their ground. This was my first visit to Boreham Wood since an infamous Herts Senior Cup tie in 2004. Very different in a lot of ways.
The first half did feel quite Barnet. A big(ish) occasion, expectation and an almost inevitable flat display. Walker was unlucky with the brilliant finish for their opener after a fantastic initial save but we could have few complaints going in 1-0 down at half time.
The response after the break however was exactly why this team has reignited the passion of many. Straight on the front foot and up for the fight, we always looked likely to respond and get something.
After hitting the post and a dubious offside goal, a similar move to the latter led to an equaliser from Ben Wynter with fifteen minutes to go. It was deserved and met with enthusiastic celebrations behind the goal.
Nicke Kabamba admirably chose to stand in the away end. He may have got caught in the goal celebration cross fire and found himself in my arms for a big embrace. He didn’t seem to mind too much. His efforts on the pitch this season have been outstanding and his choice at basing himself amongst the fans whilst banned only goes to add to his credentials. As we tweeted during the game: what a bloke.
A win would have been great but a battling point against literally very tough opposition, and to continue the unbeaten run, was a good return. The next two home games need to be positive results given the fixture run after that, but there’s no reason at this stage for belief to falter.
It was an industrious display from many yesterday. David Moyo had a somewhat unremarkable debut in terms of output but his work rate and endeavour couldn’t be questioned. That could be a key addition in the coming months - although news that Kabamba’s ban has been reduced to one game is most welcome.
Danny Collinge was particularly impressive at the back yesterday. So calm on the ball and dealt with their physical nature very well, especially given his own stature. Another impressive bit of recruitment there.
It’s a new year, but let’s hope for more of the same of the final few months of 2022. Two friends who haven’t been for years were in the away end and suggested they’d be inclined to come again. Halfway through the season, let’s hope the second half sees the current momentum continue. Six points from the next two home games would do nicely. Happy new year everyone.
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