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Notts - Tied
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A positive point against title chasing Notts County.
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By:
Max Bygraves
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19/03/2023
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This article has been viewed 1611 times.
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That was a proper football match. Despite my enthusiasm for watching the team again, I can’t say that much has changed on my view of The Hive as a venue for a game - but in that second half, it actually felt a bit like being in a proper ground. There was an atmosphere.
The youngsters in Block E/F made a concerted effort throughout but as we pushed on towards the end, the roars and groans of the crowd were really noticeable. This sounds obvious but is worth noting the difference compared to some of the early season games, rattling around the place. It was an engrossing game and by the almost non-existent number of early leavers, belief was there in both ends that all three points could be won.
I’m not one to make a big thing about away followings (you can’t if you support Barnet), but I was surprised by how quiet and lifeless the visitors from Nottingham were. Whilst I can appreciate this must be a particularly intense time in their season, you’d have thought they’d try and enjoy it a bit more. Almost all bums on seats and very little noise. I didn’t even hear the wheelbarrow song.
I will caveat any negativity towards our midland visitors at this stage by saying I absolutely hate Notts County. I’ve enjoyed their decline to non-league and would find it amusing if they stayed here a bit longer. Despite spending my student years in the wonderful city of Nottingham, I have no affection whatsoever for the Magpies.
This bitterness has existed ever since our League 2 clash in September 2006 when I was on the receiving end of the coin to the face from their lovely away fans and spent part of the game in that little St John’s Ambulance room at the top of the East Terrace. A very bloody, sore lip was thankfully all I got my for my troubles. We also lost that day 2-3, having led 2-0. Hideous.
Anyway, grudges aside, on recent performances, it would have been bold to go into this expecting too much. The Wardrobe was convinced his 16/1 punt on 1-0 Barnet was a sure thing, citing various significant wins by that margin over the years. I kept my money in pocket however and as the first half unfolded, this seemed a wise decision.
As we saw in the second half of this fixture at Meadow Lane, they are a very good football team. The men in a complete footballing fashion crime of an away kit controlled the first forty-five minutes but were mostly well contained, with some heroics from Walker thrown in.
Before we come onto the goals, a confession: I didn’t see either of them. A mate had joined me for his first visit to The Hive since the 2014/15 season and I’d explained if you want a half time pint, you have to head down at least five minutes before, or it isn’t happening. Given the serving time on this particular occasion, that theory held up. However, at a cost to the viewing spectacle.
Hearing the muffled County cheer from under the stand didn’t come as a great surprise. The scorer, Langstaff, equally no shock. Shortly after this, ‘Barnet 0-1 Notts County - Half Time’ came up as a phone notification on several devices. So it was a bit of a shock and disappointment (in terms of the viewing experience, not the outcome) when a Barnet cheer was clearly audible.
Rushing out from the bar, we saw Kanu peeling away to celebrate having scored right on half time. If you’re reading this for an insight into the goal, I’d question how efficiently you’re using the internet, but (in case) to summarise having now seen it back, it was thanks to a long throw from Cropper which they didn’t deal with. He looks a fantastic addition, by the way.
Having joked that we’d probably missed all the goals in this one during a half time spent planning fun for next Saturday’s away trip, we headed up to watch what proved to be an excellent second half.
It’s fair to say in the first half we looked mostly organised and solid, but rather unadventurous. What became evident, as the game went on, was that this was clearly very clever game management from Dean Brennan. Having had our fingers burned from peaking way too early in the reverse fixture, a patient approach had correctly been called this time. This generally isn’t the place to come for tactical analysis, and that’s not really about to change, but I would say he near enough got it spot on.
The only anomaly was the inclusion of Daniel Powell. What is the story there? Presumably he’s on a good wage and the option to pay him up isn’t an affordable one, but why he was brought back in for this one was a mystery. A theory I might suggest was the incentive for him of being put in the shop window against top opposition. Perhaps to offer some individual motivation? Maybe? I’m not sure it had the desired effect if so - although he was played very much out of position from midway through the first half. How Daniel Powell at left wing back against their rapid winger didn’t end in all sorts of disaster (other than the part in their goal), I’m not sure. I don’t think too many would be unhappy if that one was his farewell appearance. It’s not been a happy story for him here.
On the note of other players we’ve not generally seen so much of, Dominic Revan was outstanding when he came on in defence and the pack was shuffled during the second half. If he can stay fit, that would appear to be another strong option for the run in. Finley Potter seems to be growing in confidence and stature by the game and did a fine job against a very dangerous opposition. Magic.
Lastly, Sam Woods is getting a paragraph. What a transformation. He was excellent throughout. His role as the ‘destroyer’ is there for all to see and he does it very well. He can clearly play a bit, too and his versatility to support in both areas of the pitch was very much on show. Credit where it’s due for a huge turnaround in the effectiveness of his contribution.
In terms of the game itself, the old two halves cliche was never more true. Although the visitors looked a threat when they came forward, they were unable to carve out anything clear. It was very much Barnet in the ascendancy and the more likely to get three points.
It has to be seen as a positive that we can come away from that feeling slightly frustrated not to have won. Some very questionable final decision making in and around the Notts County penalty area (Pritch!) cost us a memorable win. Kabamba and Senior also being just a little off aim with good chances. On another day, we’d have had another game to chuck into the pile of ‘which was the best?’ from this most enjoyable of seasons.
Rightly, the team was warmly applauded at full time. We’d gone toe to toe with a side that have been relentless this season and come away with something. A fine effort.
On the way out, my mate who hadn’t been for many years said he could see why this team is so easy to like. Work rate and desire in abundance. During the game we were discussing just how legitimately tight the player of the year voting could be, given the number of consistent performers. A very welcome midweek without a game will hopefully allow a needed battery recharge and rest before we throw ourselves fully into the run-in proper.
And if you’re all going to Wealdstone…
PS. The Downhill Second Half pen for the next write up will be passed to my learned colleague who is back over from Ireland for the game and simply cannot wait to regale you with the tales from his day out. I look forward to reading his write up first thing next Sunday morning. No pressure, mate.
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