---

There's only one J. Ramos

Barnet 6 West Ham 2

Barnet Playing Fields.

1030am. 27th October 2007

 

Barnet came back from the dead , to beat a spirited West Ham side, in the local derby this morning. Despite missing playmaker Chris Richards, it was a strong Barnet side, that took to the field against their East London neighbours this morning. Nine of the side who beat West Ham last season started todays match. Barnet were also able to welcome back the talented Ben Kentish, and Ryan Barney from injury. Ben Spier, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday debuted up front.

Against this West Ham were fielding a much changed side. It is testimony to the drive of Gary Davidson the West Ham manager, that they were able to field such a competive side. West Ham did sport a brand new kit for the occasion in the guise of the brand new West Ham first team kit, imported especially for the ocassion.

The first half was pretty even, and competitive. Barnet were solid in midfield, with Gradoni , and Taylor forming a forceful partnership in the middle. However , it was an uncharacteristic mistake from John Carpenter, and a well taken finish that gifted West Ham the lead.

Ryan Barney had to leave the fray after twenty minutes with a respiratory condition that worried the Barnet management. However he was soon back in full flow, aided by the healing powers of that first Strongbow. Ben Kentish, proving a more than capable replacement.

There was one flashpoint in the first half. After a string of dubious decisions by linesman, Mr R Goldman (New Southgate), Ross Clark over-reacted to the constant vitriol being poured upon the official by the West Ham number nine. He shoved the centre forward. It was to the credit of both captains that this didn't bubble over. Barnet were trying to follow the example of the first team with an edict that only the captain could speak to the referee.

The few chances Barnet had were snuffled out easily by the West Ham back line, who were very solid, and proving hard to break down. The goalkeeper tidying up anything that came through comfortably.

At half time, the Barnet team felt they were well in the game, despite not playing their best, feeling that the way forward was to play the ball on the ground. Although proving good competition in midfield West Ham had not often breached the Barnet back line.

Barnet almost went two down immediately after the break, being caught sleeping, along with a crisp movement from West Ham. Fortunately, for the Bees, the chance went begging. This seemed to rally Barnet who created a number of chances. Just when Keith Doe was getting ready to come on, Barnet conceded a second. This was just after the hour mark.

Doe, subbed the sub Ben Kentish, who had played well. The manager did not want to risk him, having been sidelined with knee problems. And Doe proved to be the change that turned the game round. Adding, a bit of bite to the side, he linked up well with Fenton who found a new lease of life. Clark, fighting through the pain barrier, suffering from knee problems was driving the team forward, and Spier never stopped running.

Barnet were awarded a penalty when Fenton was felled in the area. After a bizarre sequence of the ball being placed, and replaced on the spot, Fenton struck the ball home.

Soon afterwards Doe was set free, and Doh, was the reaction from the sidelines, when the ball was ballooned over the bar. It wasn't so much Liam Hatch, more Dean Green (one for you Tommy Salinger). Barnet hoped this wouldn't cost them dear.

However, soon their was a ray of sunshine for Barnet in the form of the equalising goal finished with aplomb from Fenton. The game was far from over, and at this point West Ham were visibly tiring, and Barnet with the bit between their teeth were in the ascendancy. However, it was only a fine reaction save from David Kirby, that prevented West Ham regaining the lead.

West Ham were frustrated when the referee waved play on , on one occasion having whistled. This was a rare mistake by the young debutant referee Josh Mattocks, officiating in his first adult game. A promising career in the middle surely beckons.

As Barnet pushed forward, ironically, it was left to one with a tendancy toward the Irons, to prove the difference between the two teams. Joel Ramos, netted the third goal from an acute angle. At this point Barnet began to run the show, and Joel completed his brace immediately after.

Thinking there were only a few minutes on the clock, Barnet decided to give its squad members a run out. It transpired that there was over ten minutes, on the clock. Goldman replaced Ramos, and Doe dropped into midfield.

And then, it happened . . . . . . . . . After fulfilling his objective of a starting role against West Ham last season, Robin Goldman was set to fulfil his second. The ball seared into the box, and Goldman found himself one on one on the goalkeeper, who rushed out to defend his goal. A heavy collision ensued, and Goldman brave and strong made contact with the ball, scooping the ball in the air. Both men hit the deck, and the world seemed to move in slow motion like the end of a Rocky movie.

After what seemed an eternity, the ball hit the back of the net. It was a lovely finish, and a lovely moment, as all the Barnet team, and substitutes, and officials piled on the pitch on top of him. Until this point Goldman was unaware it had hit the net, assuming it would end up over or wide.

West Ham took this in good spirit and fair play to them. They understood what the moment meant, and let us enjoy it. We look forward to playing another competitive fixture with them later on in the season.

Salinger was brought on to replace Fenton, in a like for like switch, and Kentish returned to the fray for Carpenter. He scored with his first touch of the ball as well. At this point it was time for me to have my moment. Manager Hunt, made a cameo appearance, shinpadless, (apologies for that) and slotting in up front, with a back heel on the wing.

A fine performance, all round. Sav Alavi, Nally, Clayton, O' Sullivan and Richards will have to work hard to regain their place in the team after that display.

Man of the Match ? A tough one to call. Ross Clark drove the team manfully on in the second half, and Ben Spier was everywhere. Silvio Gradoni had his best game in a Barnet shirt, and James Taylor slotted in well in midfield. Keith Doe turned the game round when he game on, and Joel Ramos scored two crucial goals. However it was a return to form from Tony Fenton who takes the glory. His two goals put us right back in the game, and he is duly man of the match.

Barnet lined up in 4-4-2 formation Kirby, Carpenter, Currell (c) , Minton, Clark Ramos, Gradoni, Richards, Barney Fenton, Spier Substitutions Kentish for Barney Doe for Kentish Goldman for Ramos Salinger for Fenton Kentish for Carpenter Hunt for Spier.

===================================================================================

And in other shock news Ross Clark , almost bought a new pair of boots. He actually went shopping to buy some. Unfortunately, he forgot La Senza , and WHSmith do not stock them. ==================================================================================

Barnet's David O' Sullivan who arrived too late for consideration as subsitute, due to tube delays piped up midway through the second half, "so who are we playing against - - - - - Aston Villa ?"

==================================== ============================================== Programme scribe, Alex Jones manfully filling Tank's considerable shoes as linesman, almost went for a swim attempting to stop the ball falling into the brook. Fortunately some ingenuity in retrieving the balls meant that Barnet finished with the supply they started with. Thanks to Daniel, Tony, Steven, and Robert on this score

======== ================================================= ========================

Don't forget to honour any ious outstanding for match fees after this, and previous games chaps. I don't keep a list of these debts, and rely on memory, and integrity. ===================================================================================

Derek Rochelle has taken some wonderful pictures that capture the game. These will be uploaded in due course.

================================================================================= Happy Birthday, Oliver Minton, 21 tommorrow =================================================================================

Thanks for a wonderful day. Enjoy Bury, Notts County and Gillingham, and see you at Shrewsbury. I shall be scouting for new players, and a future FCBFCSA tour in the City of God, and the Maracana. ==================================================================================