Barnet 1 Wycombe Wanderers 1 - The morning after report (From Times Series)

Barnet 1 Wycombe Wanderers 1 - The morning after report

9:02am Wednesday 22nd October 2008 in Sport By Paul Wreyford

Barnet might have only earned a point for their efforts — but manager Paul Fairclough described this draw with the league leaders as a moral victory.

The fact that he was disappointed his side had not gained three points highlights the improvement the Bees have made in recent weeks.

Fairclough said: “We’ve played a team at the top of the league and I’m despondent we only got one point. The first half was probably the best 45 minutes we’ve had at Underhill this season. We were totally dominant. Wycombe then upped their game, but we weathered that and looked more likely to score in the end.

“But it’s real encouragement for everyone. We showed real grit and determination, and anyone watching would have thought we were the team at the top of the league.”

Nicky Deverdics put Barnet in front midway through the first half, the midfielder drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards after a free-kick had been rolled into his path.

Fairclough said: “It was a terrific goal and straight off the training ground. Make no mistake, we work on things like that. I’m pleased with the way the players set it up. It was a real training ground goal.”

With Albert Adomah back to his best, the hosts more than matched the Chairboys, combining some excellent football with plenty of endeavour. In fact, the visitors were never given any time on the ball, the Bees chasing everything.

Deverdics continued to pull most of the strings, but, as Fairclough said afterwards: “It was a great all-round team performance. Not one player was below par.”

Debutant Michael Townsend, signed on loan from Cheltenham Town, made a solid start to his Underhill career, adding much-needed steel and assurance in the centre of defence.

Fairclough said: “He can be proud of his debut. He’s a rugged, aggressive and strong player, who likes physical contact.”

Saturday’s amazing win at Rotherham had clearly given everyone a big lift, and there was a spring in Barnet’s step.

That was until Wycombe equalised midway through the second half. The Chairboys had just started to come more into the game and it was a soft goal to concede, perhaps the only black mark for the Bees on the night.

Chris Zebroski arrived at the far post, as the home defence stood watching, to bundle home a Matty Phillips cross from just a few yards.

Fairclough said: “I was disappointed with the goal. We gave the ball away too easily in the middle of the park.”

However, Barnet regrouped and finished the stronger, though both sides seemed to be content with a point when the whistle went.

Wycome manager Peter Taylor said: “I would have taken a point at the start of this game. Barnet have had a poor start, but to go and beat Rotherham shows they are an improving team.

“Sometimes when you’re top of the table, people want to get you off there, and Barnet are a very good side at Underhill.”

BARNET (4-3-3): Harrison; Devera, Yakubu, Townsend, Gillet; Bishop, Leary, Deverdics; Adomah, Akurang (O'Flynn 76), Medley (Birchall 76). Subs not used: Kadoch, Carew, Nicolau.

Attendance: 2,258.