Magical. That was how Martin Allen described the last minute winner at Welling on Saturday.
It certainly felt like a big win as John Akinde’s brace meant that the Bees left South East London with all three points and even more breathing space at the top of the Vanarama Conference.
First and foremost, it was of course a great result. Barnet continued their excellent away form following on from wins on the road at the likes of Gateshead, Forest Green Rovers and Southport.
This is a team that can hold its own at any ground in this league and it showed against the Wings, who let’s not forget had not lost at Park View Road all season until Saturday.
John Akinde was a threat all afternoon up front and stayed exceptionally composed at the end of the game to grab his twelfth goal of the season.
Secondly it was fantastic to see club captain Charlie MacDonald make his first appearance since September.
With Sam Hoskins returning to Yeovil, it is a timely return that sees our attacking options boosted in the run up to what is always a busy Christmas and winter schedule.
The league is in full swing around Christmas time but before then we have the FA Cup tie against Wycombe and also the FA Trophy beginning in December.
It’s a busy time of year and whilst we have a squad capable of coping with injuries and suspensions, it is always easier when your best players are available for selection.
Next up for the Bees is the FA Cup first round proper. Barnet’s reward for their 4-1 win against Chelmsford is a plum tie at home to League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers.
Who can forget the last time we faced Wycombe in competitive action? It was another magical day – that time round it was a last minute penalty save rather than a last minute winner that had Underhill rocking.
What an amazing day for Graham Stack in Barnet’s last game at the Underhill. Barnet’s number one will have particularly fond memories of that day and the whole Barnet team will want to prove a point against Football League opposition.
Barnet will go into the game as underdogs but as the manager has said, in the FA Cup you never know what might happen. With each team top of their respective divisions, it has all the ingredients for a classic FA Cup tie at The Hive.
Really looking forward to this one!
