Barnet FC draw at Hemel Hempstead in their latest friendly reports Nick Sandamas

Footballers from Barnet FC and Hemel Hempstead taking part in a pre-season friendly — The Bees take on Hemel Hempstead (Credit – Nick Sandmas)

Barnet and Hemel Hempstead shared the Spencer McCall Invitational trophy after a goal four minutes from the end by a trialist handed the home side a draw against EFL returnees Barnet in another good workout for both sides.

The Tudors drew first blood in the eighth minute when a low ball fired into the six yard area from Darren Dowrich found its way into the net past the sprawling body of Barnet keeper Owen Evans.

Eight minutes later, the Bees were level when a delicious Anthony Hartigan free kick found the top right corner with keeper Michael Johnson joining the ball in the net.

Two minutes from the break, the Bees hit the front when a clever one touch passing move from Emanuel Osadebe and Ryan Glover was finished expertly by Rhys Browne for the Woking striker’s third goal of this pre season.

Then Azeez almost brought the Tudors level within 60 seconds, but Evans got a touch to his effort to take the ball behind.

The second half saw the Bees put out an entirely different eleven (including four trialists) and, ten minutes in, one of them headed over after a cross into the box by Idris Kanu.

Just past the hour mark, Zak Brunt forced the home keeper into a good save as the Bees sought a third goal to give them a cushion.

However with the clock ticking down, a Tudors trialist let fly with a sweet curler beyond the reach of the trialist Bees keeper to secure a draw and a share of the trophy.

The Bees continue their preparations for their return to the EFL with a visit of a Crystal Palace XI.

Team: first half: Evans, Senior, Kensdale, Collinge, Glover, Osadebe, Hartigan, Slew, Matejo, High, Browne.

Second half: trialist, Crichlow, Tavares, Rye, Brunt, Galvin, Kanu, Shelton, trialists x 3

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