MATCH REPORT | EXETER CITY 1-1 BARNET FC

Bees held to draw in Exeter

Barnet were forced to settle for a point on the road as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Exeter City, with Idris Kanu opening his account for the season before Recee Cole’s equaliser denied the Bees all three points.

From the first whistle, the tone was set for a closely contested encounter, with both sides battling to gain control. Exeter enjoyed more of the early possession in Barnet’s half, but the Bees soon looked to change the momentum and push forward.

Adam Senior won an early free-kick after charging forward to challenge for the ball, and what followed almost produced a spectacular opening goal.

The delivery into the box caused a scramble in the air before the ball eventually fell to skipper Danny Collinge. The defender produced a brilliant bicycle kick, making perfect contact and finding the back of the net, only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny Barnet a stunning opener for offside.

Minutes later, Exeter came close at the other end, but Matthew Cox was on hand to keep the scores level. Andrew Oluwabori delivered a dangerous low ball into the box for Josh Gordon, who looked set to score from close range, but Cox stretched out to make an excellent save.

Oluwabori was beginning to cause problems down the right-hand side with his pace and quick movement, making a number of attacking runs and creating opportunities to deliver into the box. However, his afternoon was cut short as he was forced off early through injury.

Cox was called into action once again as Exeter continued to search for an opener. A free-kick looked destined for the top corner, but the Barnet goalkeeper reacted well to make another important save and deny the hosts.

The Bees gradually began to turn the momentum in their favour and pushed further up the pitch. Kabongo Tshimanga came close to reaching an over-the-top pass, but Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft was quick off his line to get there first.

Just before the break, Exeter were awarded another free-kick on the edge of the Barnet box. The effort found its way through the wall, but Cox was alert to gather the deflected shot and ensure the scores remained level heading into half-time.

Half-Time: Exeter City 0-0 Barnet FC

The hosts began the second half brightly, once again testing the Barnet backline and winning another free-kick in a dangerous position. However, it was the Bees who finally broke the deadlock on the hour mark.

Tshimanga found space to drive forward and fired an effort towards goal, which was saved by Bycroft. The rebound, however, fell perfectly for Kanu, who reacted quickest to fire the ball into the back of the net and open his account for the season.

With the lead in hand, Dean Brennan looked to freshen things up and brought on Nnamdi Ofoborh and Will Wright. However, the hosts continued to push forward and soon found their equaliser. A cross from the right found Cole in the middle, who was able to turn the ball home and bring Exeter level.

Isiah Noel-Williams and Jack Maskell were introduced as Barnet looked to find a way back in front. Wright later delivered an excellent cross from the right, finding Senior arriving at the back post. The midfielder made good contact with the ball, but his effort drifted narrowly wide of the target.

Barnet continued to push for a winner and were handed another opportunity from a free-kick. Wright stepped up, but his effort was deflected by the wall and safely gathered by Bycroft.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, both sides continued to search for a decisive goal. The Bees were given a late scare when Exeter found the back of the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside, sparing Barnet from a late defeat.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, as the referee brought the game to an end with the points shared. While Barnet will have been disappointed not to hold onto their lead, the Bees extended their unbeaten run with another point on the road.

Full-Time: Exeter City 1-1 Barnet FC

Dean Brennan and his Bees are back on the road Saturday as they travel to the SMH Group Stadium to face Chesterfield for their second away game of the week.

Lineup: Cox, Collinge, Senior, Williams, Lakin (Noel-Williams 72′), Kanu (Maskell 72′), Comley (Knowles 46′), Tshimanga, Gallagher, Reeves (Ofoborh 62′), Kenlock (Wright 66′)

Goals: Kanu (59′) Cole (67′)