Barnet v Stevenage match report

Last updated : 04 November 2010 By Adam Hern

A dreadful Barnet performance in the highly anticipated Hertfordshire derby match against Stevenage, means the Bees remain bottom of the Football League after 15 games.

However, you could argue that Barnet started the match the brighter side, and Mark Hughes almost grabbed a spectacular acrobatic goal with just a minute on the clock, only for Stevenage captain Mark Roberts to head the ball off the line.

It was a lively first half, and just moments after Stevenage Striker Chris Holroyd saw his looping header tipped onto the crossbar by Bees goalkeeper Jake Cole, Mauro Vilhete almost scored from 25 yard out, but his shot bounced just past the post.

Kevin Gallen, who is on loan at the Underhill side from Luton Town, really should have made the most of a glorious opportunity after 14 minutes when he found himself clean through on goal, only for his weak shot to bobble agonizingly wide of Chris Days goal.

Stevenage's first goal came on 28 minutes from John Mousinho. The former Brentford and Wycombe midfielder picked the ball up on the edge of the area and expertly placed his shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Soon, Stevenage doubled the advantage, and it was Mark Roberts, who was the hero at the other end in the first half, who scored the goal with a glancing header from a pinpoint cross from Michael Bostwick.

The second half had very few chances, with the exception of a powerful George Francombe free kick after 56 minutes which, if it went in, could have been the start of a remarkable Barnet comeback, but the shot was bravely parried away by Chris Day.

Instead, Stevenage were awarded a penalty when George Francombe clearly handled the ball inside his own penalty area, and Mousinho was able to calmly slot the ball into the bottom left hand corner to insure the Stevenage fans could enjoy the short trip home.

The final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home supporters, who were not at all happy with their team's performance. Now manager Mark Stimson will be looking ahead to the F.A. Cup tie at home to Charlton Athletic on Saturday hoping that Barnet can cause an upset against their League 1 opponents.

Bees Man of the match: Rossi Jarvis

Man of the Match: John Mousinho