6:29pm Saturday 22nd January 2005
By Paul Wreyford
Barnet 1 Exeter City 0 . . .
A 16th-minute Giuliano Grazioli strike sent Barnet an amazing 17 points clear at the top of the Conference this afternoon.
With Carlisle's match falling fall of the weather, the Bees made the most of the opportunity with an excellent, hardworking performance.
Manager Paul Fairclough said: "This was a top-drawer Conference game. Exeter have just come from doing amazing things. They've had a fantastic game against Man United and are the most improved side in the Conference.
"This was a great achievement from my players.
"Our work-rate was sensational. It was not the attractive free-flowing football we have been playing before Christmas that people have come to expect, but it's all about winning."
Barnet had to thank goalkeeper Scott Tynan for a wonder save to preserve the points.
Some 20 minutes remained when Jake Edwards fired across goal. Dean Moxey stretched and sent the ball towards the near post. It looked a certain goal but Tynan somehow clawed it out Gordon Banks-style.
Grazioli also had a chance to seal it ten minutes from time but somehow sliced a Liam Hatch centre wide of the post with the goal gaping.
But the ace marksman made no mistake earlier in the game. Hatch headed a Richard Graham centre back across goal and Grazioli poked the ball home from close range.
Barnet had the better chances throughout the match, with the hardworking Hatch winning almost every ball in the air.
Tynan had little to do, but his late heroics secured the points.
Fairclough said: "It was a great save. To pull out a save like that after not having much to do was terrific.
"But I expect that from him. He's a good goalkeeper."
BARNET (4-4-2): Tynan; Hendon, Yakubu (Charles 24), King, Clist; Bailey, Lee, Sinclair, Graham; Grazioli (Roache 89), Hatch.
Attendance: 3,489.
Best Bee: Liam Hatch.
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