A much-changed Barnet side exit Middlesex Senior Challenge Cup, losing 1-0 to 12 time winners Southall FC.
The goal came for Southall after a flat cross in from right is allowed to come through and is unfortunately went in from a Barnet player.
Despite the poor result, one player who shone above anyone else was Sean Shields. The number 22 was a threat all evening cutting in from the left. The relentless attacker was very unlucky not to get himself an assist, his deep cross from the left found its way to Marvin Armstrong who looked destined to score. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make it two goals in his last two as his effort agonisingly hit the post.
Shields was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself, and effort which looked to be heading into the bottom corner after some good work from the winger was just deflected wide.
Other efforts from Rob Hall and Kian Flanagan from the edge of the box went close, but ultimately Barnet didn’t do enough to win the game despite getting themselves in some good positions in behind the Southall backline.
The Bee’s opponents from the Isthmian League, Division One South Central were themselves unlucky not to score more themselves. Towards the end of the game, when Barnet went for it a little more, gaps opened in transition for Southall.
Chances fell to their forwards Anthony O’Connor and Leonard Farhall but they were unable to extend the non-league sides lead.
Barnet will now turn their focus to their next game, an FA Cup second round proper tie against Accrington Stanley. A win in that game could see Barnet welcome Premier League royalty in the following round.
