FCBFCSA 2 Rochdale 4 

Barnet Playing Fields 1050am
September 15th 2007

Barnet Supporters lost 4-2 to Rochdale this morning, with goals coming from the returning strike force of Fenton and Clayton.

In an evenly contested game Rochdale took the lead when there was misunderstanding in the Barnet defence and they failed to clear their lines.

Fenton equalised, after some lovely build up play. Ross Clark played the ball to Patrick Nally, who threaded a sublime through ball to Fenton who calmly slotted the ball home.

Rochdale went two one up courtesy of a clinical set piece.

Clayton equalised burying, an unintentional pass from Fenton.

Rochdale went ahead , again from a set piece and finished the game off in the last minute.

Shining for Barnet were Jake Manzi and Joel Ramos who received rave reviews from the Rochdale team, James Taylor and Gerry Currell.

In an experimental line up Barnet started

Snell

Alavi     Currell     Taylor  Manzi

Clark     Minton    Nally    Ramos

Fenton Clayton (sub McLeod 90m).

not used Goldman, O'Sullivan, Salinger

The manager served to confuse his team by switching Taylor into midfield to try to force the game on. Barnet were ridiculed for passing a note around with the revised line up. Apologies chaps, i must keep it simple.

Barnet had their chances. Clark missing an open goal reminiscent of Berbetov against Almunia in the North London derby that followed, and Taylor came close to a header from a corner.

Rochale's Doolanesque Oldham Supporter Craig Milne shone in the second half, with his ball skills and deceptive pace.

Barnet have pledged to try to get together and work on some set pieces. This partly cost us the game, as did a lack of match fitness. Our passing game did not come off either.

Striker Fenton commented on the improved standards of supporter competition since he began, likening it to Sunday league standard.

Rochdale commented on the improved standard of the Barnet play this season versus last year.

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It would be nice if we could play the return fixture. Anyone up for a pre Christmas beano in Manchester on December 21st, playing Rochdale on the 22nd. If we book early enough it could be cheapish ?

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Thanks to all our unused substitutes for coming along. When the game is tight and the team is playing well, it is difficult to make changes. Apologies to Zak McLeod who made a fleeting appearance as sub. There will be other opportunities. Thanks also to Tom Salinger , Robin Goldman, and David O' Sullivan for taking it in good heart.

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Lack of Fitness ? Certainly not from Jake Manzi, or Simon Alavi. Jake dashed off from the Barnet game to play for Hendon Reserves. Simon dashed off to play in a five a side tournament. He watched the first team game at Underhill and then rushed back to play in his quarter final. How did you get on chaps ?

 

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Injury caused by block header

Mention must go to Patrick Nally, for one of the strangest injuries of the season. Nally was injured when showing his contempt for Dimitar Berbetov's miss against Arsenal when he leapt into the air in frustration, banging his head on the telly above, and knocking the power out of it.

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Supporters Supporters

Thanks to the Skinner family ; Tony, Robert and Steven, Chris Emery, Alex Jones, and James Harrison for taking the trouble to come and watch the game this morning.

Also, injured players Chris Richards and Ryan Barney for lending their support.

Much appreciated.