9:53pm Monday 29th August 2005
By Paul Wreyford
Wrexham 3 Barnet 1 . . .
A goal within 30 seconds led to a second consecutive defeat for Barnet at the Racecourse Ground this afternoon.
Mark Jones slotted home after keeper Scott Tynan had pushed a Jon Walters drive into his path. The goal came from a flowing Wrexham move and it was to set the pattern for the rest of the match.
The Bees were always chasing the game and could have no complaints about the final outcome.
It might have been different story if Giuliano Grazioli had converted at least one of two good chances after Jones' shock opener. The striker first latched on to an error from Alex Smith, but his volley on the turn was straight at the keeper.
The ace marksman then found himself with just the keeper to beat, but his effort went inches the wrong side of the post.
And it proved costly when a Robbie Foy shot was deflected into the path of veteran Paul Warhurst just after the half-hour, the defender picking his spot from the edge of the box.
It was looking grim for the Bees, as a now rampant Wrexham sought a third.
But the goal came at the other end on the stroke of half-time. Dean Sinclair was tripped from behind by Dennis Lawrence as he made for goal and Ian Hendon slammed home the resultant spot kick, even though keeper Michael Ingham did well to get a hand to it.
It gave Barnet hope for the second half, but it was the Red Dragons who sealed it on the hour. The ball was played to the feet of Foy on the edge of the box and he hit a superb shot into the roof of the net.
Barnet kept going until the end, Richard Graham shot wide from a Dwane Lee through-ball, but the result was never really in doubt.
BARNET (4-5-1): Tynan; Hendon, King, Charles, Gross; Strevens (Soares 68), Lee, Bailey, Sinclair, Graham (Roache 71). Subs not used: Flitney, Batt, Bowditch.
Attendance: 3,768.
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