Hall cracker gives Bees 1-0 win at St.Albans.

Barnet opened up the new season last night with a 1-0 win over St. Albans City at Clarence Park in a pre-season friendly. On a fine summer evening, a walk through the park to watch the Bees in their annual trip to the Roman city was a pleasant experience.

Barnet named a full first team line up for the first half with just skipper, Ismail Yakubu missing due to a niggling injury. The Bees were quickly into their stride, but, in truth, they looked rather rusty. Ashley Carew started in his new position of right back, with Michael Leary replacing Yakubu in the centre of the defence. Interestingly, Joe Devera was captain for the game.

Real chances were few and far between though Albert Adomah got a number of crosses into the box. For many fans it was a relief just to see Adomah still at Barnet after all the transfer speculation surrounding him. Neal Bishop looked assured in midfield.

The half ended goalless and it was time for a complete change around in the second half, with a mixture of youngsters, trialists and Lee Harrison, in goal. There certainly seemed a lot more energy in the second half with midfield trialists, Justin Cochrane, Nick McKoy and Ryan Hall impressing. Former Norwich left back Mark O'Toole was also on show. The second half team were captained by Danny Hart, who impressed throughout the half coming very close to scoring.

The only goal of the game came on 64 minutes and it was a real cracker from former Crystal Palace winger, Ryan Hall. Collecting the ball about 25 yards out, he hit a stunning shot into the top corner leaving the St. Albans keeper with no chance. Sadly he went off injured soon afterwards.

All in all, it was a reasonable work out for Barnet and there was definitely some promise in the trialists.

Team: (First Half): Beckwith; Carew, Leary, Devera, Gillet; Adomah, Porter, Bishop, St. Amie; Birchall, Akurang.

(Second half): Lee Harrison; Joe Tabiri, Daniel Awolsi, Moses Swabie, Mark O'Toole; Danny Hart, Justin Cochrane, Nick McKoy, Ryan Hall (Max Porter 68); Elliott Charles, Luke Medley.