Nick Sandamas sees the Bees close in on the National League title

Barnet FC taking on Sutton United at Gander Green Lane in the National League — The Bees in action at Sutton (Credit – Nick Sandamas)

Sutton United 1 Barnet 3

Leaders Barnet are in sight of the finishing line following a 3-1 win on the road on Easter Monday against Sutton United. Over 1100 Bees fans made the short trip to Gander Green Lane to cheer the Black & Amber army towards a crucial win.

Following a recent blip in form which saw only two points gathered from the three games, this win coupled with second-placed York City dropping two points against Oldham leaves Barnet requiring a solitary point from their remaining two games to clinch the National League title and a return to the Football league following an absence of eight years.

The Bees could not have wished for a better start with midfielder Mark Shelton firing them ahead on seven minutes, getting on the end of a low pass into the box from Callum Stead to score through a crowd of bodies.

Then, four minutes later, the U’s had an opportunity to level, but keeper Owen Evans got down well to block from Ashley Nadesan then, as the striker tried to around Evans, he went down but the referee waved away the penalty appeals leaving U’s boss Steve Morison raging.

However, they did get a spot kick on 33 minutes, following Nik Taveres’ handball and Siju Odelusi took full advantage to level. At that point, York had gone in front, which meant the Bees’ lead in the league table was cut to two points.

Shelton almost restored the Bees’ lead in the match after half time but his effort drifted wide.

Then, on 52 minutes, Lee Ndlovu was pulled back in the box by captain Tyler French (who was then sent off) to give the Bees a penalty of their own. Shelton did the honours with a calm, low shot into the corner to put the leaders back in front.

News then filtered through in the away end soon after that Oldham had equalised and the lead was now six points.

The Bees then went all out to wrap up the three points and, on 82 minutes, did just that with their third goal. A corner was played back to Coker, who placed a cross to the back post for Ade Oluwo to head home his second goal of the month and the celebrations amongst the 1103 travelling contigent could begin.

The Bees now have a great chance to wrap up the title this Saturday when FA Trophy finalists Aldershot visit The Hive for what we hope will be the last home game of the season and in front of a full house.

Team: Evans, Collinge, Oluwo, Taveres, Coker (Cropper 90+2) Glover, Shelton (Clifford 90+2), Hartigan, Browne (Telford 90+6) Stead, Ndlovu (Francis 86)

Subs not used: Ballagambi, Brunt, Grimwood

Attendance 3557 (1103 away fans)

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