Much like the rest of the universe up there above September’s gloomy clouds, Barnet is somewhere that scientists still continue the search for signs of intelligent life. As humble Boro’ fans of cheeky wit and noble intention, we can do our bit to assist in this apparently fruitless task by spending a couple of hours with the Bees to see if we can make the all-important breakthrough.
Yep, Barnet have returned to the Football League after a well-earned non-league break. We believe it was Karl Marx who noted that a first relegation to the Conference is tragedy, the second is hilarious farce. After three seasons finding two or three teams who could do things worse than them, the Bees finally ran out of patsies and were flushed out of the League in 2013.
The problem with them being back is that they’ll feel they have a point to prove, not least against us. Why? Some silly idea that they’re a bigger club than us or something. You can judge that for yourselves, but we come into this game having bagged seven goals against them in our past two meetings; one of which was a 3-0 win at Underhill against Mark Stimson’s Barnet.
“Mark Stimson’s Barnet” – now there’s an oxymoron.
And who can forget Grant Basey’s memorable addition to Boro’s Goal of the Season contest in 2010-1, with his spectacular OG in the 4-2 home win that season? You could almost say that sweet dreams are made of Bees, and who are we to disagree? That isn’t enough to stop us from being worried this time around though – even if Bondz N’Gala is their defensive lynchpin…
How’s this one falling into place with the bookies? Well, Barnet have their noses in front with a best price of 11/8 (Coral), with a Boro’ win coming in at 23/10. A draw isn’t such an unlikely proposition if you think 13/5 is a fair price for you. We would go with the 31/40 (BetVictor) on Both Teams To Score and back Charlie Lee to notch another at 5s with Bet365. But do you?
The Bees may well be found resting in their familiar place second from bottom, with four points to show from their work so far – but that’s no reason to get complacent. We didn’t show up for the first half against York and teams in this division will punish you for that. We’re four unbeaten, yes, but the Bees will be up for this – after all, it’s one of their two cup finals this season.
Barnet club profile from BoroGuide – it’s easier than explaining the birds and the bees…
