MATCH REPORT | AFC WIMBLEDON 0-0 BARNET (BARNET WIN 8-7 ON PENALTIES)
It proved to be a positive evening for Barnet as they clinched a penalty shootout victory over AFC Wimbledon upon their return to action in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy on Tuesday evening.
After battling out a goalless draw the Bees would have young keeper Anthony Haralambous and Romoney Crichlow to thank with the two proving the difference in an extensive penalty shootout.
Just the 17 days after Barnets last competitive fixture the Bees were back into action with Dean Brennan making eight changes to his starting XI from our last outing against Fleetwood.
And it was the Bees who would threaten early on Isiah Noel-Williams picking out Jack Maskell who could only head wide with five minutes on the clock.
However, our League One hosts would quickly grow into the game – Marcus Browne threatening before Nnamdi Ofoborh had to be alert to deny Ollie Harrison with a strong block 13 minutes later.
Chances would remain limited for both sides in what proved to be a very scrappy affair throughout the first half.
But, Barnets’ best opportunity of the half would come on 44 minutes, Bright Siaw threatening only to be denied by Nathan Bishop in the Dons goal.
Aron Sasu would quickly go close for the Dons deep into additional time, but Haralambous would come out on top – ensuring it remained goalless at the break.
HALF TIME
Johnnie Jackson’s side would start the second half bright, Steve Seddon testing the Bees keeper on 47 minutes.
However, Barent would grow in confidence with Tom Knowles at the heart off the attacks.
The 28-year-old making space just inside the box, before seeing his fizzing effort palmed away with the rebound falling to Ofoborh who fired wide.
In what soon became an end-to-end clash, Wimbledon would go close to breaking the deadlock first, with former Reading man Andre Yiadom forcing Haralambous into a fingertip save, before Knowles again threatened for the Bees– seeing his effort blocked again.
But momentum would quickly swing in Barnets favour, Aaron Liwala doing well down the left-hand side, before fizzing in a dangerous looking cross which Maskell was inches away from meeting.
Just two minutes later Domola Ajayi would do well down the opposite flank, this time picking out Maskell who was somehow denied by an outstretched Bishop.
The game would have its biggest talking point on 77 minutes when Alistair Smith would receive a straight red car for a stamp off the ball.
This decision would only encourage the Bees with substitute Irdis Kanu introduced as they looked to break down a stubborn Wimbledon backline.
And it would be Kanu who would go close to breaking the deadlock.
More good work from Knowles, picking out Kanu only to be denied by a dramatic save from Bishop once again – ensuring the clash would go to penalties.
The first five spot kicks would be converted by both sides with only Riley Horan, Knowles and Sam Goma missing, with Crichlow smashing home the winning spot kick.
Barnet are back in Sky Bet League Two action on Saturday facing a trip to Bristol Rovers.
Barnet XI: Haralambous, Crichlow, Williams, Knowles, Maskell, Ofborh, Ajayi, Kenlock, Noel-Williams, Siaw (Kanu 78’), Liwala (Senior 81’).
Subs not used: Cox, Brissett-Levy, Issott, Rix, Richard.