Barnet 0 Atletico Madrid 0

Last updated : 08 September 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Barnet manager Martin Allen was delighted with his team's performance following a hard fought goalless draw at home to Accrington Stanley.

Both teams had clear-cut chances to take all the points but a combination of poor finishing and good defending meant that the points were shared.

The game saw both teams trying to play attractive passing football on a pitch with extra zip due to early drizzle.

"I see this as a good points gained," said Barnet boss Allen. "They came here looking for a draw and they got it.

"I see it as a back handed compliment when teams come here to play us with that attitude." Giuliano Grazioli, the country's current top scorer, should have scored on the half hour but was prevented by superb point blank saves by Accrington Stanley keeper Jon Kennedy after a scramble in the box.

Accrington Stanley themselves could have taken the lead in the first half but Rory Prendergast failed to capitalise on a poor goal clearance from Barnet keeper Daniel Naisbitt and dragged his shot wide of the goal.

After the break, Barnet put a lot of pressure on the Accrington goal and spent the first 15 minutes of the restart camped in the opposition half.

Accrington Stanley always looked dangerous on the break and the best opportunity of the game fell to Lutel James five minutes before the end.

James was clean through on goal but was denied by brave goalkeeping as Daniel Naisbitt saved with his feet on the penalty spot.

A draw looked to be a fair result and, while both managers were pleased with the performance of their teams, they will both be aware that in order to win this division they will need to convert hard fought draws into wins.