Barnet FC’s unbeaten start to pre-season is brought to an end by the FA Cup winners’ young squad reports Nick Sandamas

Players from Barnet FC and Crystal Palace with the stand at The Hive in the background — Crystal Palace taking a free kick against Barnet at The Hive (Credit – Nick Sandamas)

Barnet’s unbeaten pre-season came to an end after a young Palace XI came away from The Hive with victory in the evening sunshine.

The game began brightly with both sides having an early chance to take the lead. Asher Agbinone having his effort easily held by the Bees trialist keeper whilst Romany Crichlow could only head over the Palace bar.

Then, on the half hour, Palace’s Jerry Umolu shot his side in front with a crisp low finish.

Ollie Hawkins restored parity six minutes later with an easy tap in to haul the Bees level but, within 60 seconds, a quick breakaway saw the ball fall to the feet of Agbinone who finished with aplomb to put the Eagles back in front.

Agbinone then finished the scoring off on the stroke of half time with a penalty.

The second half saw Palace put out a totally different eleven, whilst the Bees changed theirs on the hour mark.

And soon after Palace’s Tayo Adaramola saw his effort saved by the trialist Bees keeper.

Rhys Browne had an opportunity, but could only hook the ball over the bar whilst, for the Eagles, a through pass to Adler Nascimento saw the keeper get a touch to take the ball away for a corner.

Browne had another chance near the end to reduce the arrears to one goal, but could only shoot against the keeper’s legs.

League One Leyton Orient are the next visitors to The Hive on Saturday week as the build up to the new season continues.

Team: trialist, Crichlow, Kensdale, Rye, Gavin, Slew, High, Shelton, Matejko, trialist, Hawkins,

Subs all used, trialist, Collinge, Tavares, Senior, Kanu, Osadebe, Hartigan, Glover, Brunt, Browne, trialist.

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