The two teams had played out an enthralling 3-3 draw less than two weeks ago and goals were aplenty again.
After dominating the opening proceedings, Barnet’s possession was rewarded with an early breakthrough. Not 10 minutes had passed before Wesley Fonguck’s low cross was tapped home by Shaq Coulthrist, it was a lovely build up, very typical of the type of football Darren Currie is trying to implement since taking over as Head Coach.
Wes Fonguck and Ephron Mason–Clark also went close during a first half where Barnet flexed their National League muscles over their Bostik league opponents.
However, Barnet were caught cold with Carshalton’s first real attack of the game. They counter attacked swiftly after Tommy Bradford pinched the ball away from Medy Elito in the midfield, he slotted through Jacob Mendy who made no mistake, calmly finishing past Will Huffer. While Carshalton’s celebrations were certainly loud, they didn’t last long.
Less then 60 seconds later Barnet regained the lead, Shaq with a rasping effort. The unstoppable half volley flew past Ohman in the Robins goal into the top corner in another display of smashing one-touch build up.
Carshalton’s goal led a charmed life throughout the first half, their keeper was certainly busier than his opposite number. Ohman made a sublime save to his left to deny Shaq a half an hour hattrick and was indebted to his defenders and some poor finishing from the Bees for keeping it at just 2-1 at the half.
Unlike the first half, Barnet did not get out of the blocks quickly, Carshalton started the second on the front foot giving the Bees a strong wake-up call three minutes in when Bobby Price struck the post.
He had a lot of joy down the right wing and had his crossing been a bit more accurate, Barnet could have seen themselves pegged back. Christie Pattisson should have levelled the score after an unfortunate slip by Craig Robson allowed him to have a clean run on goal, however, Will Huffer was alive to the danger and spread himself well to thwart the Robins strikers attempt.
Barnet did settle after the early onslaught and could, maybe should, have killed the game off earlier. Wesley Fonguck spurned a huge opportunity blazing the ball over the bar off a volley 6 yards out. Shaq had plenty of chances to bag his hat trick as well, his finishing in the second half was not up to the standard he had set in the first. Ohman in the Robins goal certainly kept his team in it with a smart save from Medy Elito after some pretty flair play between Shaq and himself.
In the end, the Bees finished the game 2-1 victors on the night and will face a trip to AFC Fylde in the Quarter Final of the FA Trophy.
Barnet – Huffer, Alexander, Robson, Coulthirst, Sparkes, Boucaud (H. Taylor), Fonguck (Bettamer), Elito, Tutonda, Sweeney, Mason-Clark (Charles)
Unused – Cousins, Harrison
Attendance – 606
