Almost There: Barnet’s Promotion Party Postponed

It was meant to be the day, finally after last years disappointment in the Play-offs, Barnet where on the brink of promotion back to the football league, players composed before kick off and a smiling Dean Brennan accompanied by bouncing bees in a nearly sold out extended away end, knowing a win in South London and a York loss would crown Barnet champions, however the wait goes on.

The game had everything, drama, goals, passion and chaos, Sutton’s aim was to postpone Barnet’s title dream. But by full-time, fist bumps and cheering knowing and feeling that the last point needed to get them over the line is one game away.

Barnet kept familiarity in their line-up with only Idris Kanu dropping to the side-lines due to injury and Zak Brunt making the bench. After a bouncing start on and off the pitch with both managers giving the 4th official a headache it took just 10 minutes for Barnet to take the lead, Mark Shelton rifled a shot past Jack Sims in the Sutton goal that sparked black and orange jubilation in the away end.

Sutton was the sleeping beast about to be awoken, a controversial penalty claim from Barnet was waved away by the referee, leading to more tensions on the side-lines, Brennan being carded, Lewis Simper went down under pressure from Barnet’s keeper, but the appeals were waved away. Minutes later, justice was served, Kain Adom’s shot hit a hand, and Omotayo Odelusi made no mistake from the spot.

The second half brought even more edge. A clever backheel nearly setup Shelton for a second, while Brennan prowled his technical area like a man not far away from history.

Then came the moment. A clumsy challenge, a red card for Sutton skipper Tyler French, and a pressure-packed penalty for Barnet. Cool as you like, Harry Smith stepped up scoring the goal. Scenes in the away end.

A powerful leap and header from Oluwu, via a unique and brilliantly played set piece put Barnet in pole position for all three points.

Meanwhile, the job in South London was deemed job done by most, all eyes on Oldham as they were level on goals with Barnet’s title rivals, York, meaning if The Latics grabbed a late lead, Barnet would be crowned champions.

It wasn’t to be on Easter Monday, but make no mistake, a packed out Hive on Saturday vs Aldershot and a point will secure promotion back to League Two.

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The wait goes on, but the champagne is being bought taken off the shelf.