Edgar Davids played more games for Juventus than any other club and Serie A is well known for its tight defences. Indeed, many defensive tactical innovations can be traced back to Italy and they are mostly defensive in nature.
Am I saying that Edgar Davids is a defensive coach? No I am not, but he clearly understands the importance of keeping things tight at the back and the significance that comes from a clean sheet.
In Barnet’s first away win of the season at Chesterfield back in late October last year, the Bees held the home side at bay for the entire match, and in doing so gave themselves a platform to go on and claim all three points when Mark Byrne converted a late penalty.
A 1-0 away victory has a sweet sound about it. It clearly means that the side was up to the job defensively but that duties and responsibilities at the other end of the pitch were also attended to!
Graham Stack has been rightly earning rave reviews, the central defenders look capable of winning duels both in the air and on the floor, Elliot Johnson is progressing nicely and Barry Fuller is the epitome of consistency.
And sitting in front of the back four is Curtis Weston. Those who were at Rotherham two weeks ago would have seen his best performance in a Barnet shirt to date. He put in an imperious display, breaking up the opponent’s attacks and making good use of the ball when he was in possession.
With the game last week against Fleetwood Town being postponed, the fixture list has conspired to  give the Bees three consecutive away fixtures; Burton Albion tomorrow and at Bristol Rovers next Friday.Â
Unquestionably, the Bees’ defensive qualities will be tested on their travels and at the moment the 4-1 drubbing at Morecambe can seem a long time ago.
If you are unable to follow the Bees at the Pirelli Stadium then the Barnet Player service will be offering full match commentary with Karl Bates and David Bloomfield manning the mics.
