Barnet 0 Boston 1

Barnet made second-placed Boston United work hard for their fifth win in a seven-match unbeaten run and were unlucky not to salvage a point.

The controversial 53rd-minute goal caused the Bees' downfall. As Mark Arber challenged Mark Angel just outside the penalty area, the Boston striker went tumbling. Referee Mr A Wilkins awarded a free kick and while Barnet's defenders were protesting, Phil Gray quickly slipped the ball across to Simon Rusk, who scored with a 20-yard cross-shot.

For the first 20 minutes, Boston showed the attacking skills that had brought them 34 goals, the highest tally in the Conference so far this season. It needed a magnificent diving save by Lee Harrison to prevent Mark Clifford giving the visitors a fifth-minute lead with a powerful 25-yard shot.

Barnet were squandering their possession until Mark Gower fired a fierce 20-yard half-volley that was brilliantly kept out by the diving Paul Bastock. Boston's keeper again excelled with a flying leap to tip over Wayne Purser's 20-yard shot that followed good work by Rob Sawyers.

After Rusk put Boston ahead, Barnet had plenty of chances to draw level, but the final sting was lacking.

Twice in quick succession, pacey Purser left defender James Gould trailing before delivering accurate crosses. But Essandoh's header was off target, and diving Mark Gower narrowly failed to make contact.

Boston also had their chances to increase their lead. Daryl Clare took the ball past Harrison, only to find the side netting. And the keeper saved well from Simon Weatherstone.

BARNET: Harrison, Gledhill, Heald, Arber, Flynn, Gower, Bell, Sawyers, Brown (sub Midgley, 67), Purser, Essandoh.

Attendance: 1858

October 20, 2001 23:51

JOHN POLLARD