Barnet 1 Hereford 1

Last updated : 27 August 2003 By Footymad Previewer

A spectacular strike from 30 yards by Ian Hendon gave Barnet a deserved point against Hereford United.

Hendon's goal with six minutes left earned the Bees a draw after they had fallen behind to a 77th minute penalty scored by Hereford's Tony James.

Ben Smith had been brought down in the box by Danny Maddix and James sent Danny Naisbitt the wrong way from the spot.

However, Barnet almost stole all three points when another Hendon effort from long range was kicked round the post by United keeper Matt Baker.

Both sides created little in the first half, but Hendon should have hit the target when played through by Giuliano Grazioli but dragged his shot wide at the post.

He was not the only player to miss chances and Grazioli was unlucky to see a shot saved by Baker.

In an improved second half, Hereford had the better of the play but Steve Guinan, who has already scored four times this season, should have added to his total.

He twice missed with close-range headers and when he managed to put the ball in the net he was judged to be offside.

It was no surprise when Hereford took the lead through James' penalty but Barnet battled back with Hendon's wonder strike to gain a share of the points.

Barnet manager Martin Allen was pleased with the result. He said: "Hereford are the best team at the moment so it was good to get a point.

"If we had played like that last year, we might have ended up being beaten.

"I am not sure it was a penalty, but the referee gave it and we have to respect his decision. We did not play well, but we have got the draw against the best team in the league."