Barnet showcased their resilience and depth, despite a challenging outing against a determined York City side. From the outset, Barnet displayed ambition, with O’Donkor’s long-range shot in the 5th minute taking a deflection for a corner, only for York to clear the immediate danger.
As the match progressed, O’Donkor found himself in the heart of the action, with a notable header in the 22nd minute demanding an exceptional save from the York keeper, followed by a close miss shortly after.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute by Stead, who delivered a precise low-driven shot from the edge of the box, finding the bottom corner. Despite Barnet’s continued pressure and Brunt’s efforts inside the York box, the first half concluded with Barnet in the lead, a testament to their sharp execution and strategic play.
Half Time: Barnet 1 York City 0
The second half saw York seeking an equaliser, with a headed attempt narrowly missing the mark. Barnet’s attacks persisted, with Brunt and O’Donkor pushing forward, though their efforts were stymied by York’s defence.
Stead’s excellence was on full display in the 61st minute as he confidently dispatched a one-on-one opportunity, doubling Barnet’s advantage. Keeley’s critical save in the 69th minute further underscored Barnet’s defensive solidity, denying York a chance to claw themselves back into the game.
Efforts from Cropper and Freeman resulted in corners, but it was the strategic substitutions in the 84th minute that brought fresh dynamics to the pitch, with Wynter and Armstrong coming on for Cropper and O’Donkor.
The match’s intensity was amplified in the final moments, with a significant seven minutes of added time announced. In a notable debut, Freeman made way for Academy prospect 16 year old Patrick Matejko in the 95th minute.
As the match concluded, Barnet’s well-deserved victory was a testament to their cohesive performance, marked by Stead’s clinical finishes and Keeley’s decisive saves. This result not only signalled a return to winning ways but also reinforced Barnet’s ambitions as the season approaches it’s climax.
Full Time: Barnet 2 York City 0
Starting XI : Keely, Okimo, Stead, Freeman (90+5′ Matejko), Pritchard, Hartigan, O’Donkor (84′ Armstrong), Thompson,
Cropper (84′ Wynter), Brunt
Unused Subs : Walker, Coker
2187 with 530 Away Fans
