Barnet Under 21s faced a difficult game against Premiership opposition, in the form of Swansea, who included a number of players with Premier League experience. Swansea were very impressive in the first half with the way the moved the ball out from the back and through midfield, the rotation from their players was excellent.

During the first half Barnet competed very well without really testing the goal keeper. Swansea took the lead mid-way through the first half when after a scramble in the box resulted in their striker being able to turn and squeeze the ball past Liam O’Brien into the bottom corner.

During half time the team were asked to provide more rotation in midfield and to get on the ball and to try and pass the ball forward when possible. The players were also asked to squeeze higher up the pitch in order to prevent Swansea playing out from the back so easily. The players responded very well in the second half keeping their keeper much busier and creating a number of chances which unfortunately were not capitalised on. The team were able to get down the sides of them better and moved the ball with a purpose and should have won the game. A special mention must go to Iffy Allen who only five minutes before kick off was asked to play right back after Jonathan Fortune pulled out with a calf strain and after a rocky start did extremely well. After 60 minutes and with the introduction of Kyle Asanti (trialist) we moved him to the right wing where he was probably the best player on the pitch with his forward runs and excellent deliveries into the box.

This was another good positive performance from the players despite the result. The young players are learning and improving with every training session and match.