Bees draw again

Barnet FC continue their preparations for the new season with a draw against League One Luton Town reports Nick Sandamas

A stand at The Hive with players in front — Barnet taking on Luton in pre-season (Credit – Nick Sandamas)

Barnet 2 Luton Town 2

Barnet continued their good pre-season form with a 2-2 draw against League One side Luton Town in this lunchtime kick off on Saturday.

Just six minutes were on the clock when the home side took the lead. A misplaced pass by Sverre Sandal was intercepted by Nnamdi Ofoborh who ran and slotted the ball low past former Bees’ loanee keeper Josh Keeley.

A second goal almost arrived for the Bees four minutes later but Jack Maskell’s audacious chip from a Tom Knowles pass just flicked the top of the net.

Taye Ashby-Hammond was alert soon after to prevent the Hatters from equalising and was lucky moments later when Nakhi Wells’ shot from 30 yards bounced off the top of the bar to safety.

Back came the Bees and, before the midway point of the half, Keeley did well to deny both Danny Collinge and Knowles with good saves.

Those saves would prove crucial as, with three minutes of the half remaining, the Hatters brought the scores level when Kasey Palmer produced a ball over the top to Wells to level with a first time finish low past Ashby-Hammond.

The Hatters made a number of changes for the start of the second half with the Bees also changing their personnel around the hour mark which included a few trialists.

Then, on 72 minutes, the Hatters hit the front deck for the first time.

The unmarked Jaden Luker got on the end of a Harrison Dudzika corner to head the ball into the net.

However the Bees refused to lie down and five minutes later Kabongo Tshimanga got to a low cross into the box ahead of keeper James Shea to score from close range.

Both sides thereafter traded a chance each in search of a winning goal but the draw would prove to be the winner.

Another positive performance for the Bees with the new season just weeks away.

They continue their build up next Saturday with Oxford United the opponents at The Hive and as part of community day, the London Bees ladies side will take on Wycombe Ladies on the back pitch prior to the main game at 3pm.

Team: starting XI: Ashby-Hammond, Collinge, Tavares, Kenlock, Crichlow, Wright, Ofoborh, Smith, trialist, Knowles, Maskell.

Subs used: Farquar, Senior, Trialists x 2, Siaw, Tshimanga, Williams, Lakin and Noel-Williams.

Not used: Trialist, Kanu, Blower and Matyar.

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