MATCH REPORT | BARNET FC 2-0 HARTLEPOOL UNITED | NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Bees hosted Hartlepool United in the Vanarama National League for their second match of the year. The match ended in Barnet’s favour with two goals scored by Glover and Ndlovu with the opposition failing to score.

The tone of the match was set early this evening as both teams exited the tunnel with determination. Both teams were persistent with their challenges and worked hard to produce goal opportunities.

Barnet had an early chance at the goal, with Collinge attempting a low header at the back post. This was saved by Hartlepool’s keeper, Smith, and the Bees continued to search for the opening goal of the match.

Barnet then took another shot at the goal which was intercepted by Hartlepool’s back line and kicked off of the pitch. The Bees received a promising corner as a result, but the shot found the keeper’s hands and the score stayed unchanged.

The early minutes of the match displayed an end-to-end performance as both teams continued to battle for a goal and the precious points that were up for grabs.

Hartlepool were next to have a hopeful chance, but Zak Brunt denied their attempt on goal and Barnet regained possession.

Chances came for the Bees next as a powerful shot from Idris Kanu soared just wide of Mark Shelton’s attempt at a header. 

Another opportunity to score was taken by Barnet but was unsuccessful as the ball flew over the top of the net.

A shot from Glover was almost a goal for Barnet with his cross on the left wing narrowly missing the goal and hitting the far post.

Hartlepool received a yellow card for a foul on Callum Stead as the tensions were rising and the desperation from both teams to find that opening chance increased.

More shots came from the Bees but were all unsuccessful as they flew over the goal or were collected by Hartlepool’s man in goal.

 A close call came for Barnet as the first goal almost came but was denied by a tap away of the ball from the outstretched hand of the keeper.

Hartlepool faced yet another unsuccessful corner before Lee Ndlovu had his chance to score his first goal for the club which was swiftly blocked by the opposition keeper.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Barnet’s run of missed chances continued as Zak Brunt took what appeared to be a guaranteed shot into the back of the net.

 However, the ball found the cross bar and the Bees went into half time with no goals to show for their efforts.

Half time 0-0

 

As the second half commenced at the Hive, it was clear that Barnet’s fighting spirit was unwavering. Two early corners for Hartlepool were dealt with seamlessly and the Bees continued to apply pressure onto their opponents.

 

The team’s willpower finally proved itself to be effective in the 51^st minute of the match. A great strike from Ryan Glover put the Bees ahead amongst the tension of the game to the delight of Dean Brennan and the 1,289 home fans who made their way down to the Hive tonight.

 

Brunt was brought down soon after and the Bees were given a free kick that they were unable to convert into another goal as the ball scraped the top of the net.

 

Twelve minutes after Glover’s goal, new signing, Lee Ndlovu joined the scoresheet. This marked his first ever goal for Barnet FC and pushed the Bees ahead into a more comfortable lead.

 

Multiple player substitutions from Hartlepool followed as they looked to catch up. A shot on goal from them flew wide before they took a corner that was well deflected by Collinge.

 

Dean Brennan made the first change to his side as Rhys Browne entered the pitch in the place of goal scorer Lee Ndlovu in the 84^th minute. Another substitution followed in the 87^th minute as Ben Coker came on for Zak Brunt.

 A third came in the final moments of match time as Jordan Cropper replaced Idris Kanu in the 90^th minute.

 

An extra 6 minutes was added to the match giving both teams a chance to change the game. These attempts were ultimately unsuccessful and the full time whistle was blown.

 

The match ended 2-0 to Barnet putting the team 4 points ahead in the league table and extending their unbeaten run to 14 in the league.

 

Full time 2-0

 

Lineups: Evans, Collinge, Ndlovu (Browne 84’), Stead, Kanu (Cropper 90’), Glover, Brunt (Coker 87’), Hartigan, Shelton, Tavares, Kenlock

 

Goals: Glover (51’), Ndlovu (63’)

 

Stadium Attendance: 1289 (102 away supporters)