MATCH REPORT | BARNET FC 2-1 ROCHDALE | NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Bees registered a huge three points at the Hive with victory over promotion rivals Rochdale.

It was the visitors who came forward first when Aidan Barlow was able to get a shot off from just inside the box, the ball was easily saved by Nick Hayes.

After just six minutes the Bees had the opener when a defensive error from Rochdale allowed the Bees to regain possession on the edge of the box before Nick Kabamba was on hand to slot home.

Ryan Glover was looking to cause problems for the visitors after quarter of an hour when his curling effort from just inside the box flew just wide of the right-hand post.

The Bees pressure was mounting, and the second goal so nearly came when Myles Kenlock showed some clever footwork down the left-hand side before forcing David Robson into a smart stop. The rebound was crossed to the head of Kabamba whose header then beat Robson but rattled the crossbar instead.

Kabamba was causing more headaches for Rochdale when his ambitious shot from range bounced just side of Robson’s right-hand post.

Ben Coker grabbed the all important second goal when he received the ball down the left-hand side before cutting onto his right foot and placing a beautiful effort into the bottom right-hand corner.

Rochdale came ever so close to grabbing one back on the stroke of half time when a cross was flicked on by Cropped into the path of Hayes but some excellent defending from the Bees allowed the ball to go sailing over the bar.

Half Time 2-0

Barnet started the second half strongly when substitute Callum Stead received the ball central on the pitch just inside the box before shooting at goal, but it flew over the bar.

Two minutes later Nick Hayes was called into action when he was on hand to deny Allarakhia from inside the box.

Rochdale sub Ian Henderson was given a golden gift when Oluwo’s short pass back to Hayes was intercepted by the veteran striker who lifted the ball across the line to grab one back.

With five minutes to go, Dale came close when Allarakhia tried to bend one in on his right foot, but it flew just wide of the far post.

The Rochdale press was mounting as they struck the woodwork twice in added time, a slice of luck that Brennan’s side will gladly accept as the Bees held on to register an important win.

Full Time 2-1

Lineups- Hayes, Coker (Kanu 78’), Rye (Collinge 60’), Kabamba, Glover, Hartigan, Shelon (Stead 38’, (Grimwood 93’), Oluwo, Kenlock, Cropper (Clifford 60′), Hobson.

Goals- Kabamba (6’), Coker (40’).