Nick Sandamas sees the league leaders take a point on the road

Barnet FC play Boston United in the National League — The Bees take on Boston – (Credit – Nick Sandamas)

Boston United 0 Barnet 0

Leaders Barnet had their lead at the top trimmed to two points after a stalemate at relegation threatened Boston United last Saturday.

The point was well earned as the Bees had to play the whole of the second half a man down after central defender Danny Collinge was given a straight red card on 42 minutes for a lunging tackle on Oisin Callagher (who needed lengthy treatment) but the Bees battled for a draw.

The starting Xl was unchanged for the fourth successive game but the game became a battle as neither side was able to get a grip on the game.

The early stages saw both sides cancel each other out and it took with it took until the 28th minute for the first sight of goal, a Jai Howe header for the Pilgrims which flew over the bar.

Eight minutes later, Bees winger Ryan Glover tried his luck with a curling shot, but it unfortunately flashed wide of the far post.

Then four minutes from half time came the red card, Collinge on Gallagher, the centre half becoming the first Bee to be given an early bath since Connor Stevens’ red card at Curzon Ashton in the FA Cup way back in November 2023.

With a reshuffle needed, on came Ade Oluwo (back from injury) to fill the space left at the back with Zak Brunt having to be sacrificed.

The Pilgrims did have a moment as half time approached but Connor Teale saw his effort deflect over the bar to safety.

With the Pilgrims having the one man advantage, the ten-man Bees did well to limit them to very few chances.

The Pilgrims’ Connor Teale did have a sight of goal ten minutes into the second half, but his effort went past the post.

Then, on 68 minutes, the Bees had a chance when Glover’s long throw into the box went straight to Callum Stead but he could only direct his header straight into the arms of the Pilgrims’ custodian Cameron Gregory.

Dom Telford came on for his Bees’ debut with ten minutes to go and the on-loan striker had a shot on goal minutes later but it deflected off a Pilgrims player for a corner.

As the minutes ticked by, Boston pushed all men forward in the hope of snatching a late winner,but the Bees held firm to grab a vital away point.

Boss Dean Brennan said afterwards that he was pleased with the point and also labelled it a battle in reference to playing a man light for the second half.

With nearest challengers Forest Green and York both winning and with games in hand, the title race is as tense as ever.

It’s back to home comforts for the first of two big games starting with the visit of Solihull Moors tomorrow.

Team: Evans, Collinge,Taveres, Kenlock, Glover (Telford 79), Hartigan ©, Brunt (Oluwo 44), Shelton, Stead, Ndlovu (Grimwood 90+5), Kanu (Cropper 75)

Subs not used: Ballagambi, Coker, Clifford,

Attendance 1729 (294 away fans)

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