Barnet 0 Farnborough Town 2

Last updated : 20 December 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Farnborough eased their relegation worries by beating a makeshift Barnet side 2-0 in a scrappy game at Underhill.

Martin Allen's Barnet side were missing three key players going into the game with 19-goal topscorer Guiliano Grazioli and club captain Ian Hendon suspended, as well as Simon King.

Farnborough by contrast were virtually at full strength with only defender Matthew Beall missing and then they capitalised on defensive mistakes to score through Nick Burton and Ryan Semple.

Barnet were playing on the sloping Underhill pitch for the first time in five weeks and neither side looked at home, making silly mistakes in blustery conditions.

As early as the third minute Boro goalkeeper Mark Osborn ballooned his clearance to Barnet's Tony Scully, but he could only manage a weak effort on goal.

Later Barnet looked to have a definite penalty when Mark Williams was brought down by Osborn while through on goal.

Eight minutes from half time, Barnet again looked certain to score when after a goalmouth scramble the ball broke to Scully, but his shot was blocked on the line.

These chances were to cost Barnet dearly as Farnborough took the lead just four minutes later.

Richard Hodgson took a dangerous free kick 25 yards out on the left and picked out captain Burton, who powered his header into the net.

Farnborough reduced Barnet to a handful of chances in the second half. Williams should have scored straight after the interval after being put through by Ismail Yakubu, but his shot was well saved by the outstanding Osborn.

striker Liam Hatch also managed two speculative efforts on target late in the game, but should have passed to players in better positions on both occasions.

Minutes from the end, Farnborough killed off the game when Semple won the ball after tussling with Geoff Pitcher in the penalty area.

After taking one more touch, Semple launched a cracking shot into the top right-hand corner of the net.