Barnet FC’s travelling supporters had a reminder of what it means to be part of the ‘Barnet family’ on Saturday when they were rescued on the hard shoulder of the motorway by the first-team bus following the match against Accrington Stanley.

The travelling fans, already downbeat following a disappointing result, found ther long journey home delayed by a failed gearbox on the otherwise ever-reliable supporters coach. Spirits among the loyal Bees remained high as they stood waiting for an hour on the hard shoulder of the M6 passing round food and drinks before the first-team’s bus rolled by.

Noticing the familiar black and amber shirts and scarves on the side of the M6, the first-team bus hooted as it passed. But to the away fans’ delight, just ten minutes later the same bus returned to collect the stranded supporters on the orders of Head Coach Edgar Davids.

The coach driver explained that Davids had asked to drop all the players off at the next services before going back to collect the fans where they could wait in the warmth of the service station. A gloomy day for Bees fans was given a silver lining as the players gladly chatted to supporters and posed for photos until a replacement coach arrived to transport the fans home.

Supporters coach regular Viv O’Grady said of the gesture, “It reminded me of why I support Barnet Football Club. It’s like being part of a family. We feel a part of it and we feel that we really matter to the club.

“I thought the players might be humpy after the result and the delay in their journey but they were all lovely and happy to talk to us.

“We all thanked Edgar Davids for the gesture but he said it was us who deserved to be thanked for all of our support.”