Impressive Addicks end Huddersfield’s record-breaking run

Built as the match of the weekend in the Football League, League One leaders Charlton Athletic tightened their grip on top spot whilst ending Huddersfield Town’s remarkable 43-game unbeaten league run. Two first half goals from the menacing Yann Kermorgant and Hogan Ephraim were enough to extinguish the Terriers glowing fire and condemn their promotion rivals to a first league defeat since December of last year.

In front of anticipant crowd of over 18,000, the Football League’s top goal scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips had the first real opening but his low drive was comfortably dealt with by Huddersfield’s experienced goalkeeper Ian Bennett. Influential winger Scott Arfield had the visitor’s first chance of the evening but his shot from the edge of the penalty area safely landed into the arms of the impressive Ben Hamer in the Charlton goal.

With tackles flying in from both sides, the match became a scrappy, midfield battle as both teams looked to gain the upper hand. Despite lacking any potent threat early on, the Addicks grabbed a 23^rd minute lead when the powerful Kermorgant rose majestically to nod a header over the stranded Bennett from a pinpoint Danny Green free kick to land the first punch in a bruising encounter. The setback seemed to spur the visitors forward as the match became an end to end battle with Huddersfield beginning to dictate possession and cause problems of their own. Gary Roberts whipped in a dangerous low cross that needed the intervention from Hamer to deny a certain equaliser.

The industrious, attacking response from the Londoners rewarded them with a second four minutes before the break. Green’s quickly taken throw was helped into the path of Wright-Phillips, the striker was bravely denied by Bennett before the ball eventually found its way to the QPR loanee Ephraim who, amidst the chaos, slammed the rebound into the empty net to give the Addicks breathing space going into the break.

The manner in which the second period began, gave the impression that the Terriers were unlikely to mount a comeback. Green’s long throw caused panic in the Town defence before Kermorgant looped a header against the cross bar to the relief of Lee Clark’s men. After a dominant opening, the Addicks began to retreat as Huddersfield pressed for a route back into the match. Andy Hughes’ wayward pass invited John Parkin forward, the big striker found substitute Danny Ward who’s cross swerved and bounced back off of the cross bar to suggest that the Terriers were able to cause the host’s concern.

The visitor’s were now in full flow and began to show glimpses of why they were able to go 11 months without a league defeat. Parkin connected wonderfully to a left wing cross only to see his shot thump the base of the post with a slight deflection from the superb Hamer. The raging Huddersfield storm was constantly being thwarted by a resolute and firm Charlton back line that had conceded just 14 times so far this season. The intimidating Kermorgant was then sadly stretched off after falling awkwardly to the reverberating sound of applause from the home support. As the match drifted into stoppage time Damian Johnson volleyed over the visitor’s last chance to salvage a consolation to delay an inevitable end to an extraordinary unbeaten sequence.

Charlton had absorbed a tremendous amount of second half pressure to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points. The incentive of becoming the first league victor over Huddersfield since December has clearly spurred the Addicks forward to the bigger incentive of a return to the Championship.  

McLeod double keeps Bees buzzing

A first half penalty blitz from top scorer Izale McLeod helped Barnet maintain their recent good form as they squeezed past a resolute Macclesfield Town side. The former Derby and Charlton forward coolly tucked away two penalties within the space of four chaotic minutes to earn Barnet a fourth straight victory in all competitions. Despite a second half Matt Hamshaw strike, Macclesfield were unable to complete the comeback as the points remained in North London.

In a feisty Friday evening encounter, which included nine bookings and a solitary red card, the first half failed to spark into life on a bitterly cold evening at Underhill. Barnet’s top marksman McLeod had the first real effort on goal but his powerful header drifted harmlessly wide of the far post. The constant sound of the referees whistle was all too familiar, but with five minutes of a drab first half remaining the referee awarded Barnet a penalty to enlighten proceedings. Carl Tremarco was adjudged to have fouled the lightening fast Mark Marshall in the box to give the hosts the perfect opportunity to take the lead before the break. Despite protests from the Macclesfield players and staff the decision stood and McLeod smashed the Bees in front. The referee was at the centre of attention again just four minutes later when unthinkably he awarded the hosts a second penalty. This time the visitors could have little complaint as Sam Deering was clearly upended by Goalkeeper Jose Viega to put McLeod on the spot again. Unsurprisingly, the striker buried the resulting spot kick to give the Bees breathing space going into half time.

The second half had a lot to live up to with the referee attracting more attention than the match itself. Barnet looked content to sit on their two goal lead as Macclesfield began to gain the upper hand, just past the hour mark the Silkmen slashed Barnet’s lead in half with Hamshaw lashing home a half volley from just inside the penalty area. But any hopes of a comeback were dealt a severe blow just two minutes later as once again all eyes were directed towards the referee. Ross Draper’s late lunge on Michael Hector earned the midfielder a red card as the home support bayed for a sending off. Hector’s reaction didn’t do Draper any favours as the on loan defender continually rolled around, almost singlehandedly leaving the referee with no option but to dismiss the unfortunate Draper. As the match entered its conclusion, Macclesfield had their own penalty shout for a suspected handball. Despite the remonstrations the man in the middle didn’t comply with the visitors’ upheaval to decrease his popularity amongst the travelling support even further. In spite of the man advantage the Bees were camped in their own penalty area as they looked to hit Macclesfield on the break.

However, Barnet held out to continue their climb up the table, amidst the controversy the hosts arguably deserved the victory and a fifth league win this term. The manner of the victory indicates the rapid progress that the Londoners have made under Lawrie Sanchez and although they were far from their best a welcome three points is something that Barnet can’t afford to refuse.  

Os defender has contract terminated

League One side Leyton Orient have terminated the contract of defender Elliot Omozusi following his conviction last week.

The former Fulham youngster was jailed for two-and-a-half years last Friday for his participation in an act of revenge against a witness in a gang related murder trial. A statement on the club website said, “Following the recent conviction of Elliot Omozusi and subsequent prison sentence of 30 months, the club has reviewed its legal position and has terminated the contract of the defender.”

Omozusi, who has also had loan spells at Norwich and Charlton, made a total of 61 appearances for the London Club and won the player of the year award just last season. But his acrimonious antics has left a bitter taste in the mouth of Orient Manager Russell Slade. He commented, “I’m really disappointed. It’s not good news for the football club or the boy. He was a key player for us last season. It’s upsetting all round.”

Orient Skipper Stephen Dawson also insisted that the incident wouldn’t affect the clubs performances on the pitch as they continue their push up the League One table. He added, “We have got to do a job. We get paid to go out there and it can’t affect us too much. We have to get our heads down.”

Gills aim for second round place

The FA Cup takes centre stage once again this evening as 22 teams still battle for a place in the second round of the competition. The Gills enthralling 3-3 draw with Bournemouth just over a week ago has left Manager Andy Hessenthaler confident that his side can overcome their League One opponents. Speaking to the club website Hessenthaler said, “We are looking forward to the game. It’s the FA Cup and we want to get through and play Leyton Orient in the next round.”

The Kent based outfit recovered from being 3-1 down in the first meeting between the sides with Danny Kedwell’s last minute strike setting up the replay at the Priestfield stadium tonight. The fight back, along with Saturday’s league victory over Aldershot, has given the Gills valid cause for optimism ahead of kick off. Hessenthaler added, “We gave a good account of ourselves at Bournemouth in the first game to come back from 3-1 down.” Hessenthaler also commented on the important role that the supporters will have in tonight’s encounter. He included, “We have to make it a high tempo game and to get our fans going and to use them as an extra man.”

Frank Nouble, one of the scorers in Saturdays league victory, along with Jo Kuffour are both ineligible for tonight’s match after being refused permission to play in the competition by their parent clubs, leaving Hessenthaler with the unenviable task of trying to replace his two most prolific strikers so far this term. He added, “Obviously there has got to be changes because Jo (Kuffour) and Frank (Nouble) won’t be available. We will have to reshuffle which I don’t like doing I would rather keep us consistent but that’s the way it is and it will give a couple of other players the opportunity to come in on Tuesday night.”

Sanchez delighted with improving Barnet

After recording their third win in the last four games, Lawrie Sanchez has publically praised his young Barnet side following their 2-0 victory at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. The win moves the north Londoners out of the relegation places leaving Sanchez thrilled with the upturn in fortunes. Speaking to BBC London Sanchez said, “It’s been a team thing we’ve had an infusion of fresh blood that has inspired and installed a little bit more belief. We’ve stopped conceding goals which was the major problem we’ve had all season.”

The Barnet boss has pinpointed the recent improvements have partially been due to the Bees playing away from Underhill. He continued, “We’ve been away from home, we’re nervous at home our home performances haven’t been good enough, anybody that has watched our away games, that is three away wins on the spin.” As well as two away league wins, the recent run has seen Barnet progress into the second round of the FA Cup after successfully negotiating a tough looking trip to Blue Square bet Premier side Southport.

The most pleasing factor for the former Northern Ireland manager seemed to be the introduction of the new, young players which have strengthened a previously depleted squad. He added, “Excellent performance, excellent result, even more so considering the three young lads playing in the back four. It was a big ask for them.”

With the Bees recent progress away from home, Sanchez is fully aware of the importance of transporting their positive performances on the road back to Underhill, as the Londoners look to pull clear of the relegation zone. He concluded, “We now are coming to a series of home games, we’ve got a home game in the cup and a home game against Macclesfield. Our best performances have been on the road we now need to transfer that into some sort of home form.”

Charlton continue excellent start

There seems to be no sign of League One highflyers Charlton Athletic relinquishing top spot as they marched to a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions by edging out neighbours Brentford on Saturday. The top scorer in the top four English divisions, Bradley Wright-Phillips, settled matters just past the hour mark as he bundled in his 14th league goal this term and additionally claimed Charlton’s 2000^th away goal in the Football League. Brentford created many opportunities of their own but ultimately it was the South Londoners who cemented their five point lead at the top ahead of next Saturday’s mouth-watering encounter against promotion rivals Huddersfield Town.

Chris Powell made five changes to the Charlton side following last Sunday’s FA Cup triumph at FC Halifax but could not prevent Brentford dominating the entirety of the first half. The Bee’s bright start to proceedings gave the impression that Manager Uwe Rosler was intent on blitzing the Addicks straight out of the blocks as the first period was played predominantly in the visitors half. Former Millwall striker Gary Alexander had the host’s first meaningful chance as his shot produced a fine early save from the on loan Charlton goalkeeper Ben Hamer.

A superb, last ditch tackle from centre half Michael Morrison prevented the powerful Alexander from latching onto a Clayton Donaldson flick just minutes later as Brentford laid siege to the Charlton goal. With the League One leaders rocking, Niall McGinn crashed a shot against the post after good link-up play between Toumani Diagouraga and Sam Saunders. The winger’s accurately placed drive smashed the foot of the post before rebounding to an unsuspecting Diagouraga, who could only turn the rebound over the crossbar to the relief of 1800 travelling supporters.

There were signs later in the half that maybe the Addicks had weathered the raging storm, Danny Green began to dictate affairs and started to influence a previously one-sided encounter. The winger bobbled a shot wide and then saw his goal bound effort deflect off of Diagouraga and partially away to safety for the host’s. The former Dagenham & Redbridge man was involved again moments later when his long throw was headed over the bar by the unimposing Yann Kermorgant. However, it was the West Londoners who ended the half the way they had started it, in the ascendancy. The physicality of Brentford’s two front men was constantly concerning a usually resolute Charlton backline, something which Powell would have to address at half time.

The restart seemed to have its desired effect for the Addicks as they began to illustrate why they were the pace setters in League One. Kermorgant, now heavily involved, blazed a shot over from the edge of the box to send a warning to the hosts’ untroubled defence. As the visitors set about changing the complexion of the match, an unfortunate collision between Bee’s pairing of Shaleum Logan and goalkeeper Richard Lee left Logan needing urgent medical help. After gathering the loose ball Lee clattered violently into Logan leaving the defender pole-axed and motionless on the turf. The right-back was eventually stretched off and play could resume after a 10 minute delay.

As the hosts looked to regroup, Charlton snatched the lead through Wright Phillips, the striker was on hand to turn in an excellent Green cross to delight his manager as well as the travelling contingent. Although Charlton had improved in the second half, you still got the impression that the opening goal had come against the run of play.

However, Brentford mounted a spirited fight to conjure up  a deserved equaliser, Donaldson fired a shot that deflected off target and then had an effort blocked from a corner to keep pulses racing in both sections of the crowd. The visitors could have sealed the three points late on when Wright Phillips was denied by a good save from Lee, before Green struck a drive that flew over the bar. Despite the referee indicating that an additional 10 minutes of injury time would be played, Charlton held firm to take all three points back to SE7.

Charlton had not looked as convincing as previously thought, but good sides grind out results when they are not at their best and this was most certainly the case in West London.

Swindon’s Keeper aims for Club record

On loan Swindon Town goalkeeper Wes Foderingham is aiming to become the first Swindon keeper to keep six consecutive clean sheets in the league since 1968.

The recent feat has seen the Robins climb into the playoff places but Foderingham insists there is no pressure to keep the run going. Speaking to BBC radio Wiltshire he said, “The main thing is the three points, if I do get six on Saturday then that would be great but if I don't I won't lose sleep over it.”

 Foderingham is currently on loan from Npower Championship side Crystal Palace and had not made a Football League appearance before arriving at the County Ground. His debut, a 2-0 victory over Accrington Stanley, marked the start of the superb run which coincided with Swindon’s march up the table - with 13 points from the last five matches. The only time that the former Fulham youth product has picked the ball out of his net so far was during last Saturday’s FA Cup mauling of Huddersfield, in which the Robins triumphed 4-1. He added, “It was a good goal so at least it wasn't a clanger from me, I was going to concede sooner or later, I was just happy that we got the win.”

With Swindon adapting to life in League Two following relegation, Foderingham admits that the pressure was certainly on as soon as he arrived. He continued, “This is my first experience in the Football League and to start on a positive note with five clean sheets is fantastic for me. I felt a lot of pressure coming here at the start because I hadn't been on loan in the League before I felt a certain pressure to do well and prove myself.” His dream start to life in League Two has given Foderingham the self belief to maximise his time at the Robins. He concluded, “To come out of the games playing well and keeping clean sheets has done me the world of good and I feel really confident now.”

Swindon travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday looking to maintain their excellent recent progress, and fans are hoping the Robins’ inconsistent away form won’t scupper any chance of their side grabbing the headlines and equalling the club record.

Kettering put entire team up for sale

Blue Square bet Premier side Kettering Town have responded to their derisory start to season by placing the entire first-team onto the transfer list.

The decision had been taken due to the Poppies recent form which has seen them win just once in their last five matches and has coincided with their exit from the FA Cup. A club spokesman told BBC radio Northampton the resolution was “in response to recent results and the financial issues related to that.”Under fire boss Mark Stimson has backed the unconventional move and had also overlooked a similar manoeuvre earlier in the campaign, when eleven Kettering players were placed on the transfer list for similar reasons.

The Poppies are currently 19^th in the Blue Square Premier table, with the pre-season promotion contender’s just two points above the relegation places. But their FA Cup exit at the hands of Blue Square South outfit Sutton United left Stimson acknowledging the clubs poor start to the campaign whilst admitting his own personal discontent. He said, “It's very, very disappointing. We created a few chances and couldn't take them, and I honestly thought we were going to go to a replay.”

The premature exit from the competition is something that Kettering can ill afford due to their perilous financial disposition, leaving Stimson admitting, “The team's not playing as well as it should.” The question is will this unorthodox decision change the fortunes of the Northamptonshire club?  

Fleet Boss delighted with second-half comeback

Liam Daish, Manager of Blue Square bet Premier outfit Ebbsfleet United, has expressed his delight at his side’s second half comeback to claim victory over a stubborn Stockport County side on Saturday.

With the Fleet 1-0 down at the interval, two goals in the last ten minutes snatched the win for the hosts extending their unbeaten run to six league games. Calum Willock cancelled out Nick Chadwick’s first half penalty, before the vibrant Nathan Pinney popped up with the winner two minutes from time to inflict Willy Mcstay’s first defeat since taking over temporarily at Stockport. Speaking to the News Shopper, Daish said “I said at half-time we were 1-0 down and to give us 45 minutes of everything you've got and I'll take whatever comes, whether it's a loss, a draw or a win.”

Despite their premature exit from the FA Cup, Fleet have made a healthy start to life back in the Blue Square Premier leaving Daish praising his side’s work ethic. Daish said “In the second half we kept asking and asking the questions and through sheer honesty and endeavour, it got us the two goals and the win.” The victory leaves Ebbsfleet 14^thand Daish indicated that their excellent recent form has revitalised a previously dejected Ebbsfleet side. He continued, “It's six games unbeaten, it's a good haul, two weeks ago I remember how down everyone was but two wins on the spin against sides below us, that's a great couple of weeks in the face of adversity.”

Bromley bow out after spirited display

Bromley’s wait for a victory over a Football League side continues after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by League One outfit Leyton Orient. Matt Spring’s well taken opener followed by two second half strikes were enough for the hosts to seal their place in the second round. Backed by a travelling support of well over 1600, the Lilywhites' courageous display kept them well within a shout going into the second period, but in the end they succumbed to the superiority of their Football league opponents.

After a bright opening from the Blue Square bet South side, Orient grabbed the lead when Spring unleashed a 20 yard drive which sailed out of reach of Bromley goalkeeper Tommy Forecast. This early strike seemed to settle the League One side as they began to dominate possession, Dean Cox fired just over and then moments later drilled a low shot wide of the far post to give the visitors valid cause for concern.

Despite playing three levels below their opponents, Bromley began to find their feet and started causing problems of their own. Gareth Williams, the eventual match winner in the previous rounds victory at Dartford, was denied by Ben Alnwick in the Orient goal after Hakeem Araba’s flick on, to demonstrate that the Kent based side were still firmly in the match. The visitor’s best chance of the opening half an hour should have yielded a well deserved equaliser, Williams’ corner wasn’t properly cleared and landed at the feet of Rory Hill, but the midfielder could only send his shot high over the bar to disappoint an encouraged Bromley support.

Things were beginning to turn the way of the Lilywhites, influential midfielder Cox, was unable to shake off an earlier injury forcing him to be replaced by Jamie Cureton. Bromley’s front pairing were causing the hosts complications, the powerful Araba again flicked on in the direction of Williams but the striker was unable to capitalize and subsequently the chance dematerialized. The first half had flown by and with Bromley still within a shout the second period was perfectly set up for one of those moments that only the FA Cup can bring.

Before the match, Bromley manager Mark Goldberg had insisted that his side had to stay within touching distance to have any chance of claiming a miraculous result. The storming start the visitor’s made to the second half indicated that they were still firmly in the game, Danny Waldren fired wide outlining Bromley’s intent straight from the restart. However, their purposeful opening to the second period left them vulnerable to the counter attack, resulting in the hosts doubling their advantage. Williams swung over a corner which untroubled the Os defence, a quick breakaway then saw George Porter stride tenaciously into the Bromley half and the former Cray Wanderers man, who had been the subject of booing throughout, fired a low shot past Forecast silencing the travelling support and sending a dagger into the hearts of the Bromley players.

The visitor’s refusal to relinquish authority still gave them a chance of getting back into contention, Williams’ attempt to audaciously chip Alnwick was a sign that the Blue Square bet South side still posed the confidence and ability to stage a fight back. However, with 25 minutes remaining, any hope that Bromley had of mounting an almighty comeback disappeared. Porter’s lunge at Aaron Rhule didn’t improve his popularity amongst the Bromley ranks, but left Rhule with far worse consequences as the red mist descended. The Bromley winger appeared to stamp on Porter earning him a red card and leaving his defiant team-mates numerically disadvantaged.

Despite Goldberg’s aggressive triple substitution, the Os were beginning to stamp their superiority on proceedings, Cureton struck the outside of the post as a third goal looked ominous. Sure enough, with 10 minutes remaining Jimmy Smith rubber stamped the East Londoners place in the second round after reacting first to Moses Odubajo’s drive which cannoned back off the post. There was to be no consolation for the visitor’s which their performance merited, despite losing a man the Lilywhite’s bravely, battled on and earned a commendable standing ovation from both sets of supporters.

On reflection, the score line does flatter the hosts but in the end class shone through on a day to remember for all Bromley supporters.

FA Cup Preview – Bromley ready to face Os

With over 1500 tickets already sold, Bromley will make the short trip across London for their FA Cup clash with Leyton Orient knowing that there will be plenty of vocal support cheering on the Blue Square Bet South side. This is the Lilywhites’ eighth appearance in the First round proper and their third in the last six seasons. Previous exploits have seen the Kent based club entertain the likes of Gillingham and Colchester, and although they were convincingly beaten on the both occasions, the profit made from such a prestigious competition has helped the club to develop and better their overall  financial state.

After successfully negotiating three rounds of the FA Cup so far, a trip to League One Leyton Orient is the perfect distraction for the Lilywhites after enduring a poor start to the season domestically. Despite sitting 17^th in the Blue Square bet South table, Gareth Williams’ sublime Free kick deep into the second half, in the previous rounds meeting with Dartford, has put a spring in the step of every Bromley supporter, with the added incentive of seeing their side reach the second round of the FA Cup for the first time in 66 years.

With Mark Goldberg’s men bidding to become the first Bromley side to beat Football League opposition, Orient chairman Barry Hearn has spoken of his desire to reinforce the unique atmospheric surroundings that only the FA Cup can bring. Speaking to the club’s website he said, “As far as I’m concerned you just can’t beat the FA Cup, Anyone who talks about the FA Cup losing its shine has lost their way in their footballing life.” He added, “Bromley will bring loads of people here, there’ll be noise, there’ll be a special Cup atmosphere and it’ll be a celebration of the national game.  That’s what the Cup is all about.” Hearn also commented on the importance of the smaller clubs and how they epitomise the national game. He continued, “We know the Premier League is a great entertainment brand and we know the players earn millions of pounds, but the real essence of football is in the smaller clubs – and the FA Cup is where everyone has their day.”

Ahead of the big day, Bromley have announced they will be taking three supporters coaches and with many more fans commuting by public transport, cup fever has clearly gripped even the smallest of clubs ahead of one massive occasion with one big incentive.

Gills Captain apologises for display

After watching his side scrape to a dramatic victory over Northampton on Saturday, Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler has praised his captain Andy Frampton for outwardly apologising for his own performance. Frampton reacted swiftly to his own display by apologising to each one of his team-mates after the drama had concluded, earning praise from Hessenthaler. He said, “He went round and apologised to all the players and that he got out of jail with our forwards. I don't mind players like that, he's honest. I like honest players.”

Gillingham had taken a 3-1 lead into the break thanks to a first half hat-trick from on loan, front man Jo Kuffour, but surrendered their two goal advantage early in the second period to seemingly throw away the chance of victory. But Danny Kedwell’s stoppage time penalty ensured all three points for the Londoners to lift them to within two points of the play offs.

It was Frampton’s first start for the Gills since October following a calf injury sustained during their 3-1 defeat to newly-promoted AFC Wimbledon, and Hessenthaler insists his side could have performed much better collectively. He added, “He felt he wasn't on his game. But that's the honesty he's got. I work with players like that week-in week-out and I don't mind that. He wasn't the only one. As a group we could have done better.”  

Hessenthaler wants Striker Permanently

After a seven goal thriller on a rollercoaster of a Saturday, in which Andy Hessenthaler experienced every emotion possible, the 4-3 victory over Northampton Town has given the Gills boss fresh impetus in trying to secure the services of hat-trick hero Jo Kuffour on a permanent basis. Kuffour’s first half hat-trick gave the League Two club a 3-1 half time lead against a resolute Northampton side and Hessenthaler believes the former Bristol Rovers forward should be playing at a much higher level. He said, “"Jo's too good for this league but we're delighted we've got him. Let's hope that we can do a deal in January.”

Kuffour has bagged five goals in seven games for Gillingham, but will be unavailable for the Gills FA Cup clash with Bournemouth this weekend. Both Kuffour and fellow strike partner Frank Nouble, on loan from West Ham United, have been refused permission to play leaving Hessenthaler disappointed. He added, “It is a shame. We'd love to have them but we can cope with that and we have to.”

Barnet battle to claim morale-boosting point

After three consecutive league defeats Barnet earned a share of the spoils against a resilient Wimbledon side. In an uneventful first half, it was the Bee’s who grabbed the lead thanks to a well directed Izale Mcleod header, just as the match entered first half stoppage time. A slightly more action packed second period saw Sammy Moore’s deflected shot bring the Don’s level and leave both sides with a well earned point a piece.

With both sides enduring poor recent runs it was no surprise that defences were firmly on top in the opening stages. Mcleod wasted a rare opportunity after firing over from a decent goal scoring position. It was the Bee’s who looked the most threatening and began to seize control over their opponents, Mcleod swivelled away from a disjointed Don’s defence but again was unable to punish the sloppy defending and stroked his shot into the side netting. The lack of action at the Barnet end came as welcome respite for Lawrie Sanchez’s men after conceding 9 goals in the last two league games. The solidness of the visitors defence was undoubtedly a pleasing note worth making for the former Northern Ireland and Fulham boss. A satisfying first period then became an excellent one for the North Londoners as they sneaked ahead thanks to an expertly executed header from Mcleod from Danny Senda’s pinpoint cross. The lead was thoroughly deserved and gave Barnet cause for optimism going into the second half as they looked for just their fourth league win of a spluttering campaign.

With the hosts fresh off a half time rollicking from assistant Stuart Cash, it was the Visitors who once again began the brightest. Tricky, fleet of foot, winger Mark Marshall’s mazy run and shot was well turned away by Don’s goalkeeper Seb Brown as Barnet pressed for a second. The first half reservation from both sides was now a distant memory as the match became an end to end battle. The introduction of Kieran Djilali gave the hosts another attacking option to cause concern amongst an under siege Barnet defence. Djilali was quickly involved and instrumental in the lead up to the Don’s equaliser. The substitute’s cross field pass was picked up by Luke Moore who slipped his namesake Sammy in behind the Bee’s defence, the striker’s shot deflected off of the unfortunate Darren Dennehy and beyond Dean Brill. After recent Barnet results you could be mistaken for thinking that the Bee’s would start to drop deeper defensively, inviting Wimbledon forward. But the visitor’s began to show signs of resilience, no doubt pleasing Sanchez, Ricky Holmes slid the ball across to Mcleod who was unable to keep his shot down as it whistled over the cross bar.

With Barnet pressing for a winner right to end, you can’t help but think that this resolute, defiant display could be the turning point for the Bee’s. Despite this, the point leaves the London club firmly in the relegation mix and a long way from being certain of safety.

Sanchez: We won’t be relegated

After a run of just one win in eight league games, Lawrie Sanchez’s Barnet travel to newly promoted AFC Wimbledon on Saturday looking for just their fourth league win this season. The Bee’s have endured a tough recent examination and after their heavy 6-3, home defeat to Burton Albion last Saturday questions where beginning to be asked as to whether they would avoid relegation this season.

Despite their recent form, under-fire boss Sanchez believes his side can escape the peril of relegation and embark on an eighth successive season in the Football league. Sanchez said, “My job is to make sure we don’t rely on the last game of the season to stay up” Reflecting upon last season, The Bee’s went into their final game needing to pick up all three points against Port Vale and were also relying upon Aldershot to beat Lincoln City. With Barnet’s fate out of their hands they survived by a solitary point after the Bee’s beat Vale and the Shots ran out comfortable winners over Lincoln. Sanchez Continued, “We won’t be relegated with me in charge of the Football club.”

With the Bee’s dire form, which has seen them slump into the League Two relegation places, questions are also being fired at chairman Tony Kleanthous. But Sanchez has insisted that supporters shouldn’t criticise the chairman who has “kept the club afloat” for the last 17 years. Before the Bee’s clash with AFC Wimbledon Sanchez has additionally commented on the lack of strength within a depleted Barnet squad. He said, “The club will struggle because of its wage bill unless something different is done. If you are looking for magical qualities then at times I have had them. But ultimately you are only as good as the players that you manage and there are not enough good players here.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s showdown at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, AFC Wimbledon have enjoyed a decent start to life in League Two and currently sit 12^th in the table. But like Barnet, league form has recently deserted the Dons after picking up just one win in their last five league games. To add further spark to an already lively, looking encounter, the Bee’s may also be boosted by AFC Wimbledon’s indifferent home form, which has seen them defeated four times already this term. So the visitors may fancy their chances of improving on a disappointing start to their league campaign as they make the journey south to take on one of fastest evolving clubs in England.

Ebbsfleet Boss contemplates consequences of Cup exit

Liam Daish has admitted that Ebbsfleet’s failure to sustain a decent FA Cup run could pose problems financially in the future. Fleet’s uncharacteristically, lacklustre defeat to Redbridge, three divisions below the Kent based club, has left Daish pondering an FA Cup exit that the club can ill afford. Daish said, “I’m sure the chairman and directors ticked this off as revenue. I'm sure there'll be ramifications one way or the other.” As well as missing out on the £12,000 prize money, Ebbsfleet have also thrown away the chance of a money spinning FA Cup first round tie. Daish continued, “It's a question for the people above. It's prize money and we know how hard it is at the moment, and how hard we work out there to get money in.”

Ebbsfleet currently sit 15^th in the Blue Square bet Premier table after picking up 8 points from their last four league games. With the Fleet having played three of their last four games away from Stonebridge Road, they have announced that they have rearranged their home league clash with Stockport County, to help with the clubs revenue, to the weekend of the first round of the FA Cup.

The romance of the Cup: Bromley bag Os tie

After successfully negotiating three stages of the FA Cup, Bromley have scooped a tie away to Leyton Orient in the First round proper. The draw continues the Lilywhites recurring coincidence of facing teams that are Kent based having knocked out Dartford, Margate and Welling. With Leyton Orient just across London, a large following are sure to make the journey to voice their support. This is the third time in the last five seasons that the Blue Square bet South club have reached the first round, the second under current boss Mark Goldberg.

Bromley have never tasted victory against a Football League club but Goldberg believes his side can put to bed an unwanted record. “We’ve never done it, but it’s third time lucky hopefully,” said Goldberg. “We’ve had some big games against Gillingham and Colchester, now let’s see. I want to enjoy just being there at the moment, but we will go into the game certainly hoping, believing we can keep the run going.”

 The added spice of a local derby is sure to add fuel to fire as both side’s battle for a place in the second round. With Orient’s success in the competition last season, in which they entertained Arsenal over two legs before finally succumbing to the Premier League giant’s quality, is a recollection of what the so called ‘Smaller Clubs’ can achieve in such a distinguished competition. So can the romance of the FA Cup bring about Bromley’s first second round visit for 66 years?