The crowd of 606 stood and clapped in remembrance of England legend Gordan Banks as Barnet hosted Carshalton Athletic at the Hive for a place in the last 16 of the Buildbase FA Trophy.
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 his take over as manager. 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 not mistake cooling finishing past Will Huffer. While Carshalton 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 to just 2-1 at the half.
Unlike the first half, Barnet did not get out of the blocks, 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 and should have killed the game off earlier. Wesley Fonguck spurned a huge opportunity blazing the ball into orbit off a volley 6 yards out. Shaq had plenty of chances to bag his hattrick 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, although not entirely convincingly, the bees finished the game 2-1 victors on the night and will face 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
