Barnet start their 2023/24 FA Cup campaign away at Parkside, home of Essex-based team Aveley FC this Saturday (14th October, 15:00 KO).
So, What’s the Buzz?
The Bees faced Dorking Wanderers in the Saturday evening TV game and with full-time whistles being blown up and down the country for the 3 p.m. games, Barnet knew the pressure was on them after league leaders Chesterfield picked up another 3 points. Dorking, who play to exploit their opponent’s weaknesses took the lead quite early on as their long-ball tactic put them into a commanding position at halftime, being 2-0 up. However, Barnet showed off all their qualities as they staged an incredible comeback to win the game 3-2. Antony Hartigan scored an even better free kick than the one against Kidderminster to level the game before Danny Collinge scored his 6th of the league campaign to put The Bees into the lead. Barnet showed their determination and desire for the win and successfully stopped them scoring, sealing a crucial 3 points that kept them in touching distance from the top. Now their attention turns to The FA Cup, a competition Barnet has impressed in before, getting to a 4th round replay against fellow Bees, Brentford, in 2019.
Club Profile
Club Name: Aveley FC
Nickname: The Millers
Founded: 1927
Ground: Parkside
Manager: Danny Scopes
League Position: 6th
Form: LDLWW
FA Cup Best Run: 1st round proper 1970/71
Opposition Report
Aveley FC, known as The Millers, have started their National League South campaign in brilliant fashion when you consider they are newly promoted after finishing 4th in the Isthmian Premier, winning the playoff final 1-0 against Hornchurch. Aveley, after 11 games, finds themselves in 6th position after 6 wins already in the league. Their last fixture put them up against current league leaders and former EFL Championship members Yeovil Town. Aveley showed great courage after a tough first half as they went 3-0 down at the break, losing the game 3-1 but having shown great attacking intent against a Goliath in the division.
Aveley has shown to be a tough team to break down in the National League South as they boast the joint 2nd defence in the league, with only 8th-placed Chelmsford City conceding less than The Millers. Barnet, despite being from the league above, will have to assert themselves early on against Aveley due to the Essex-based team’s diligent defending.
In The Dugout: Danny Scopes
Danny Scopes started his managerial career at Concord Rangers, a club that he played for in the later years of his playing career having spent the majority of it at Great Wakering Rovers. He oversaw Concord for 2 seasons before leaving the club, having got his team to the final of The FA Trophy just a week prior. Scopes was appointed Aveley manager in November 2021 and has had immediate success, guiding Aveley up the leagues with back-to-back promotions. Scopes will be looking to match Aveley’s best-ever FA Cup run by beating Barnet this Saturday to add to his ever-growing legacy at Parkside.
Fa Cup History for Both Teams
As mentioned before, Barnet reached the 4th round of The FA Cup in 2019 which is a club record facing at the time Championship outfit Brentford. Since Dean Brennan has been in both caretaker and first-team coach roles, The Bees lost to rivals Boreham Wood in 2021 but reached the 2nd round proper last campaign losing to League One Opposition Accrington Stanley. Aveley, as previously mentioned have only reached the first round proper once in their history in 1970/71. Last campaign, Aveley was knocked out by Potters Bar Town in a first qualifying-round replay, losing 2-1 to the hosts.
