Os inflict derby defeat

6:35pm Saturday 10th September 2005

Barnet 2 Leyton Orient 3 . . .

"We were torn apart."

That was the frank assessment of Barnet manager Paul Fairclough after his side slipped to their third league defeat in four games at Underhill this afternoon.

Not even goals in the first and final minute by Guiliano Grazioli could finish off an excellent Orient side.

Fairclough said: "We can't complain. We were well beaten. We got a great start but we needed to get the second goal. If we had nicked one we would have been in business.

"But fair play to Orient. They worked their socks off today.

"They have gone through a difficult period and are an example to us."

The Bees have now taken just one point from a possible 12, but Fairclough promised fans a response from his players.

"The belief in the side is still very strong. We need to look now at just exactly what we are doing wrong and get back to basics."

Grazioli took just 15 seconds to put Barnet in front. He slotted in a Dean Sinclair cross at the far post after a flowing move from the kick-off.

Even though the Os gradually began to settle, the Bees still had chances to get the crucial second that Fairclough craved.

Louis Soares saw a curling drive deflected just over and Grazioli was inches away from reaching a superb Ian Hendon cross that just needed a touch.

But it was Orient who struck five minutes from half-time, Jabo Ibehre stroking the ball in from close range after a Gary Alexander knockdown was deflected into the striker's path.

The visitors started the second half as well as Barnet had started the first. They created a number of good chances and Ross Flitney had to pull off some fine saves. The best came on 54 minutes, when the keeper kept out a Daryl McMahon strike when he looked odds on to score.

Barnet created little at the other end. A Sinclair drive from the edge of the box that the Orient keeper dived low to save was all the Bees could muster.

It was no surprise when the Os struck again 15 minutes from time. Ibehre got the better of Anthony Charles and freed his fellow frontman. Alexander, who was judged to have beaten the offside trap, slid the ball under the advancing Flitney.

It was game over a minute from time, Alexander again making the most of a ball over the top. The Barnet defenders again appealed for offside, but nothing was given and the striker drilled it in off Flitney's outstretched leg.

There was still time for Grazioli to fire in a late consolation from a Sinclair flick, but it was too late to spark a home comeback.

BARNET (4-5-1): Flitney; Hendon, King, Charles, Batt; Soares (Roache 56), Bailey, Lee, Sinclair, Graham; Grazioli. Subs not used: Tynan, Bowditch, Strevens, Norville.

Attendance: 3,772.