Hacket (’51)

March (’55)

Team – Barnes, Hackett, Guthmy, Thomas, Iro (McCluskey ’61), Khlaf, Allen (Abrahams ’71), Warren, Sykes, Gambin (Kalu ’61), Edgar

Unused Subs- Cowler, O’Connor

Brighton and Hove Albion were the latest team to visit The Hive in the U21 Development League 2 South competition. The game proved to be an entertaining one with both teams trying to play football on the floor. The visitors started the game very well, moving the ball nicely and the rotation of the players was excellent throughout. Barnet had a very good shape and didn’t allow the visitors to break them down, forcing their approach sideways and backwards. The teams went in level at the half with the score 0-0.

At half time the coaches emphasised to the players that they had to keep their discipline and track runners, communicate and keep Brighton playing in front of them. More importantly, they were instructed to focus on better ball retention and to get the full backs higher up the pitch.

The second half started better with The Bees taking the lead on 51 minutes. A break down the left resulted in a cross and Jamal Hackett getting on the end for what was his first goal for the club. However, six minutes later the visitors were level when a shot from outside the box from around 20 yards beat Dillon inside his left hand post. To be fair to the lads they responded very well and continued to press and try to score a winner.

Coach Andy McMillan pointed out the positives from the game, saying, “The way we defended and our good defensive shape but also the return of Luke Gambin after his recent injury. We were pleased with the lads and their attitude and the desire to play the game the way we want them to.”

The Bees Development Squad aren’t in action again until the New Year when they take on Cardiff City away on Monday 14th January.