Jason Puncheon‘s stunning free-kick deep into injury time gave Barnet their first win of the season in a truly entertaining game of football at Underhill. Fans have come to expect nothing less than amazing goals from the winger who has hit the net in each of the last four games, and he did the same again today, helping the Bees into a much needed three points.
Kenny Gillet and Josh Wright were handed debuts whilst Sagi Burton and Ismail Yakubu passed late fitness tests to go straight into the starting XI. And it was all-Barnet in the first half, giving supports a great chance to watch some lovely passing, flowing football and will have been disappointed to go into the dressing room at half-time only one goal to the good.
Daley tested Lee Harrison in the opening minutes, the keeper tipping over before Barnet dominated possession, Adam Birchall going close on two occassions as he shot straight at the keeper and wide.
Thomas hit a thundering shot from distance which Ricketts did well to parry whilst Joe Devera hit the bar as the Bees seeked a deserve opener. Conlon had a rare chance for the visitors, and a good one at that, when he was put through the defence but Harrison did well in the one-on-one to cover his goal, the ball ricocheting off his feet.
At with the 45 minutes almost up, Puncheon delivered a sweet free-kick into the area which bobbled of Birchall and tapped in by Johnson to put into his own net.
Barnet 1 – 0 Bradford City
Another great ball by Puncheon and a slice of luck Barnet have been desperately missing in the opening weeks of the season. Their luck was changing. But it was a deserved goal, make no doubts about that.
HT: Barnet 1 – 0 Bradford City
The visitors made sure of a strong fightback, taking the second-half to their hosts and deservedly got level through the impressive Johnson, who this time hit the back of the net at the right end, spinning well on the edge of the box and smashing the ball past Harrison into the top of the net.
Barnet 1 – 1 Bradford City
Thomas had the rare chance for the Bees in the second-half this time, shooting over, before Daley wasted marvellous chances presented to him. Receiving the ball upfiend, and with only Harrison to get past, he toe-poked wide, whilst Conlon put him through down the left and his shot this time beat Harrison, but not the goal, having hit the outside of the post.
He then hit a good effort from the edge of the box to rebound of the post again. Lady luck was certainly shining on the boys in black and amber today.
Barnet began to get back into it later on in the half, a Puncheon looked to have grabbed the lead with his free-kick smashing against the crossbar. And two minutes into injury time, the star hit his set-piece from 30 yards out beautifully into the top corner of the net at his near post, beating Ricketts who could only manage a hand to it.
Barnet 2 – 1 Bradford City
Seconds after the away team resumed the match, the referee blew his whistle to signal the end to a great game and a good three points earned by the Bees who will be determined to put in another good performance at Dagenham & Redbridge next week.
FT: Barnet 2 – 1 Bradford City
4 points from 4 games now and with only Michael Leary currently out for next week, things are looking a lot brighter.
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Off the mark and what a way to do it, great free kick to win it.