Barnet take on League One, Peterborough United tomorrow in a pre-season friendly at the Hive. Barnet fans will have the opportunity to see new signings, John Akinde and Dan Bradley, as well as any new players on trial.
Barnet have met the Posh on many occasions in competitive matches in the past. In 1977, the two clubs met in the 1st round of the FA Cup at Underhill, with Peterborough defeating their Southern League hosts 2-1, Dennis Brown scoring for the Bees.
Three years later, they met in the FA Cup again, this time in the 2nd round, at Underhill. Peterborough won 1-0. In 1992, following Barnet’s promotion to the Football League in 1991, the two clubs met in the Coca Cola League Cup 1st round, Peterborough winning 6-2 on aggregate, Gary Bull scoring twice in a 2-1 draw at Underhill.
In 1997/98, the two clubs met for the first time for league points, Peterborough winning 5-1 at London Road, Dean Samuels getting the Bees’ goal. In the return at Underhill, Barnet won 2-0, Sean Devine and Phil Simpson scoring for Barnet.
In 1998/99, Peterborough completed a conclusive double over Barnet, thrashing the Bees 9-1 at Underhill, an own goal from former Bee, Mick Bodley all that the Bees could manage. Future Bees’ legend, Giuliano Grazioli scored five for the Posh. Graz had been about to move to Underhill after the game, but the deal was put off after the match!!! The defeat is the heaviest the club has ever suffered.
In the return at London Road, Barnet went down 5-2, Marlon King and Ken Charlery getting the Barnet goals. Barnet gained some revenge the following season, winning 2-1 at London Road with both goals from King. However, Peterborough won 2-0 at Underhill. Both clubs made the Division Three play-offs and Peterborough won the two legged semi-final 5-1 on aggregate and were promoted. Mark Arber got the solitary Barnet goal.
The next time the two clubs met was in the LDV Vans Trophy in 2001, Barnet winning 3-1 at London Road with goals from Scott McGleish and Omar Riza, plus an own goal.
Following, Barnet’s return to the league in 2005, the two clubs met for League Two points. Barnet won 2-1 at Underhill with goals from Ismail Yakubu and Dwane Lee. At London Road, the two clubs played out an eventful 2-2 draw, Barry Fuller and Andy Hessenthaller scoring for Barnet.
Hessenthaller scored in a 1-1 draw at London Road n 2006/07, while Adam Birchall scored the only goal of the match at Underhill.
In 2007/08, Peterborough did the double over the Bees winning 1-0 at London Road (former Underhill hero, Liam Hatch scored the goal) and 2-0 at Underhill in a match where Jason Puncheon was sent off.