Barnet won their latest pre-season friendly at Underhill this afternoon against League One opposition, Charlton Athletic. Barnet played a largely full strength side, though last season's leading scorer, John O'Flynn was still missing. Joe Devera, who injured his groin at
Barnet started the game well with Paul Furlong causing the Charlton defence trouble but it was Charlton who came closest to scoring with a fine curling shot by McLeod which brought out a fine save by Jake Cole. Soon after, the Charlton keeper saved well from Albert Adomah and then Paul Furlong put the Bees ahead after a Charlton defender was caught in possession and Furlong calmly slotted it past the keeper to put Barnet 1-0 up.
Jake Cole saved well soon after, though the flag had already gone up for offside. Barnet were containing their visitors with the central midfield duo of Micah Hyde and Mark Hughes particularly prominent. At the back, Daniel Leach was giving a very dominant performance.
HT: Bees 1 Valiants 0
At Half time, trialist, Clovis Kamdjo replaced Gary Breen, playing at right back with Ismail Yakubu, who had started the match at right back, moving to partner Daniel Leach in the centre of the defence. Charlton began to come more into the match, but Barnet's defence, in particular Leach kept them at bay.
Stuart Fleetwood did breach the defence and beat Jake Cole but his shot came off a post. Barnet brought on Elliott Charles in place of Jake Hyde and Albert Jarrett replaced Yannick Bolasie and Ahmed Dean replaced Kenny Gillet. Soon after, a terrific run on the left by Jarrett caused trouble in the Charlton defence and following his cross, Albert Adomah scored Barnet's second with a slightly miss hit shot. This turned out to be Adomah's last act in the match as he was replaced by Danny Hart. Joe Tabiri and Nicky Deverdics also came on with Hughes and Hyde coming off. Elliott Charles almost put Barnet 3-0 up but his close range shot went just wide as the game rather petered out. There was just time for Ahmed Dean to get in between a Charlton forward and Jake Cole to prevent the visitors pulling a goal back.
Trialists, Jarrett and Dean both played well after coming on and both could well have earned themselves contracts at Underhill. After today's game, most Bees fans will want to know if and when Paul Furlong is going to sign for the Bees!!
FT: Bees 2 Valiants 0
Barnet: Cole; Yakubu, Breen (Kamdjo), Leach, Gillet (Dean); Adomah (Hart), Hughes (Tabiri), M. Hyde (Deverdics), Bolasie (Jarrett); Furlong, J. Hyde (Charles). Sub who did not play: Viner.