MATCH REPORT | BARNET FC VS CRYSTAL PALACE XI

Bees Show Promise Despite Defeat to Crystal Palace XI

From the first whistle, Crystal Palace XI looked to assert early dominance, launching a swift attack toward the Bees’ box.

But their momentum was quickly halted by Joe Rye, who read the play well and worked the ball back up field to relieve the pressure.

Barnet soon began to find their rhythm, with Bright Siaw standing out on the right flank.

His pace and dribbling caused early problems for the Palace defence as he looked to carve out opportunities for the hosts.

Both teams battled for the opener throughout the first half, but it was Palace who broke the deadlock under the 30-minute mark.

Jerry Umolu struck the ball inside of the left post and into the net, giving the visitors the lead.

Barnet responded almost immediately.

A slick passing move around the edge of the area allowed Scott High to burst into space and square it across to Ollie Hawkins, who calmly slotted home to bring the hosts level.

Just minutes later, Asher Agbinone restored the visitors’ lead with a composed finish, putting the Bees back under pressure.

As the half was coming to an end, Palace were awarded a penalty following a defensive misstep.

Agbinone stepped up and scored from the spot, doubling his tally and sending Palace into the break with a 3-1 lead.

Half-Time: Barnet FC 1–3 Crystal Palace XI

Barnet came out for the second half with renewed energy, pushing higher up the pitch and taking more control of possession.

Within minutes, Ryan Galvin surged down the left and whipped in a cross, though it narrowly drifted out for a goal kick.

Approaching the hour mark, Barnet made a full eleven-man substitution, bringing on fresh legs in hopes of turning the game around.

The change had an instant impact as Ryan Glover picked up the ball on the wing, cut inside and took on the shot but narrowly missing the near post.

The pressure continued to build as Rhys Browne became a consistent threat in the final third.

He tested the keeper several times and even attempted an audacious chip from just past the halfway line, which floated just over the bar.

Despite Barnet’s relentless second-half efforts, Palace held firm.

In the 80th minute, the visitors broke away on the counter and found themselves one-on-one with the Barnet trialist goalkeeper, who rushed out brilliantly to make a crucial save.

Barnet dominated the final stages but couldn’t find a breakthrough.

Full-Time: Barnet FC 1-3 Crystal Palace XI

Starting Line-up: Trialist, Crichlow, Kensdale, Rye, Galvin, High, Shelton, Siaw, Trialist, Matejko, Hawkins

Subs: Trialist, Collinge, Tavares, Senior, Kanu, Osadebe, Hartigan, Glover, Brunt, Browne, Trialist

Attendance: 1413