Barnet leave Vetch empty handed again

Swansea City 2 Barnet 1

Nationwide League Division Three

Barnet's hopes of avenging their recent 4-1 Auto Windscreens Shield defeat by Swansea at Vetch Field were dashed as their mini-run of good results was halted by the Welshmen, who extended their unbeaten sequence to 11 matches.

Throughout the first half, Barnet were always second best, and could not produce one effort on target.

The visitors were soon under fire as Swansea struck down the flanks. In the first minute, a cross from Stuart Roberts was headed behind by Mick Basham. This was soon followed by a low shot from the edge of the box from Martin Thomas that lacked power and was easily held by keeper Lee Harrison.

Barnet retaliated with a run by Sam Stockley who whipped in a cross that was cleared from close to the goal.Then Steve Searle embarked on a solo run , but was denied by the timely intervention of Steve Jones.

Swansea went ahead after 16 minutes following a rare lapse by Harrison, who stood rooted to his line when Nick Cusack sent over a flighted cross and Julian Alsop headed home at the far post.

Swansea's ever dangerous winger Roberts went close with a cheeky effort. That was soon followed by Barnet's first attempt at goal, from 35 yards by John Doolan that sailed high over.

Midway through the half, Jon Ford, Barnet's star performer, intervened to prevent Alsop getting a touch to a cross.

Swansea stretched their lead on the half hour. Steve Watkins, unlucky when his shot cannoned off an upright with Harrison well beaten, had a slice of good fortune with his follow-up as the ball deflected off Mick Basham and looped high over Harrison.

Harrison prevented Watkin giving Swansea a three-goal interval lead with a fine diving save, and when Alsop followed up, his effort was well blocked.

Swansea, with their thoughts on this Saturday's FA Cup thrid round match against West Ham, eased up, and Barnet came more into the game, only to escape again when Harrison twisted in midair to fist away a goalbound effort from Roberts.

Mark Arber's first goal for goal for the visitors in the 74th minute revived their hopes when he rose high to head home from a corner.

That inspired a spirited finish by the Bees, and substitute Phil Simpson almost snatched a late equaliser when his swerving 30--yard blast

struck keeper Roger Freestone on the arm, dropping behind him a foot from the line, before he scrambled it away.

BARNET: Harrison, Stockley, Sawyers, Basham, Ford, Arber, Searle (Simpson, 69), Doolan, Charlery, McGleish (King, 67), Wilson (Currie, 73).

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