Brentford 0 Barnet 4

Windmill Lane ,Southall

August 25th 2007 10:30am

So many times, it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive

The Barnet supporters team got their first win of the season, against local rivals Brentford in a surprisingly one sided local derby.

It was a much changed side from the one who played against Morecambe. Indeed only Gerry Currell , Patrick Nally, and Joel Ramos started both games.

Barnet started the game with debutants Kenan Mustafa and Steve Betts starting Mustafa at right back, and Betts partnering the evergreen Robin Goldman up front. Later, Darren Zitren and James Stanley. The starting line up needed to be rejigged just before kick off as Ollie Minton, and Zitren and Stanley were victims of the heightened security at Windmill Lane.

The FCBFCSA squad had arrived at the sports centre to the sight of a dozen truncheon wielding policemen, and swarms of stewards. There was a greater police presence at Windmill Lane, than at many a Barnet home game.

It was feared they had come to arrest one of Barnet team for previous indiscretions. Surely what goes on in Amsterdam, or Morecambe stays in Amsterdam or Morecambe. Fears were allayed (sort of) when they explained that it was a Tamil sports day, and there was a terrorism threat. Both football sides were unaware of this, and Brentford had to argue for the game to go ahead. It was a shame as FCBFCSA would have welcomed the support of our resident Sri Lankan Daanish Maharoof on the touchline.

Played in glorious sunshine the game was dominated by Barnet from start to finished.

Gerry Currell took the young side under his wing, by leading the team in warm up exercises before the match. He constantly talked the young side through the game, and was his usual commanding presence. Alongside him Sav Alavi was full of praise for his skipper. He said " It is always a pleasure to play alongside Gerry. He is so calm and assured, that it instills confidence in all around him." 

Such was the steadiness of the defensive display from Currell, and Alavi that FCBFCSA were afforded the luxury of resting Ollie Minton for the first half. Mustafa, and Manzi were mixing defensive responsibilities with a potent attacking threat. Mustafa coming close on one ocassion with a Micah Richards like foray at one stage. Sav Alavi had a storming game also, covering every inch of grass.

It was actually Jake Manzi who stole the show at left back. Linking up well with  Joel Ramos, he was a welcome addition to the squad on Saturday morning, after Patrick Nally collared him as soon as he returned from holiday.  Jake also assumed the voice of experience talking young Ramos through the game.

It was Manzi who broke the deadline with a fine shot from a Ramos corner. Manzi also started the move from defence, and receive the return pass. Shooting from range ( aka crossing the ball) the ball sailed into the net for a second goal. Manzi was opted onto penalty duty. However, we were not awarded one.

The afore mentioned Nally showed great promise in centre midfield with a combative performance, and veteran Silvio Gradoni bossed the game from centre midfield with his best display in an FCBFCSA shirt to date.

On the flanks Joel Ramos was a constant menance. The Brentford full back chopping him down on numerous ocassions. Carl Swain added Sunday league guile and experience on the right flank.

Goldman held the ball up well up front and Betts worked tirelessly. Stanley buzzed around up front.

Half time came a minute early when both sides took the opportunity to have a drinks break when a Brentford player was injured with a minute on the clock.

In the second half Minton resumed his partnership with Currell. Zitren was lively in his runout in an unfamiliar left wing berth.

Barnet's third came from a snap shot from Swain, that was deflected in via Sav Alavi.

The forth was crossed in by Joel Ramos and converted clinically by Steve Betts.

At this point Barnet decided to give its players some respite from the conditions and use its squad members.

David Kirby didn't really have much to do at all, but it is the sign of a great goalkeeper, when late on in the game , when called upon he can pull off a great save, as David did. This used to be the hallmark of Ray Clemence, former Barnet manager and Liverpool and Spurs legend. David volunteered to come off to give Robin Goldman a chance between the posts. Kirby , and Swain are set to both play two ninety minute matches for Old Elizabethans tommorrow. They double booked their pre-season games.

Indeed Goldman was threatened more. He pulled off a fine low stop. His kicking was a particular strength. He also allowed one to hit the crossbar claiming he had it covered.

Tommy Salinger came on for Carl Swain, but was not able to perform his usual magic suffering from blisters. The player Manager , John Hunt came on for a cameo performance replacing Salinger late on. Sporting the number 7 shirt it was a ploy Paul Fairclough adopted later on in the afternoon bringing on Hatch for Hart. The gaffer amazed himself by beating two players on the wing, and on the touch line and winning a corner.

Comedy gold , Sav Alavi's attempted throw on. It can best be described as a cross between a shot putt, and a basketball pass. He would go on to later ask two Brentford supporters if they knew were the ground was.

Thanks to the team for a great performance. I am proud of my players for rallying round when we were struggling to put out a team, and coming up trumps again. Thanks to Steve, Silv, Sav, Gerry and Ollie for providing the transport, Rob for sorting out the kit, and Nick and Chris was sorting out the game and referee. It was an enjoyable morning, and i hope that all of the lads will be permanent members of the squad. Brentford are a nice bunch of lads and we look forward to hosting them one day.

FCBFCSA lined up as follows ;

GK Kirby  (sub Goldman 72m)

RB Mustafa (sub Minton 45m)

LB Manzi

CB Currell (c)

CB Alavi

RM Swain (sub Salinger 75m (Sub Hunt 85m)

LM Ramos (sub Zitren 70m)

CM Gradoni

CM  Nally

CF   Goldman (sub Stanley 20m)

CF    Betts