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.