Aug 31 2004

Daily Post

A HARSH refereeing decision which resulted in centre-back Richard Handysides being sent off prevented Vics from making a closer fight of it against one of the Nationwide Conference's promotion favourites.

The game was goalless after 37 minutes when Handysides impeded Riccardo Grazioli inside the penalty area.

Grazioli fell and the referee appeared to award a goal-kick before changing

his decision after consultation with a linesman. The defender was dismissed and Ian Hendon scored from the spot.

Having lost their other centre-back Mark Foran with a 16th minute injury, Vics had to reshuffle their back four and were still doing so when Barnet added a second goal in 40 minutes through Ray Sinclair.

Paul Brayson had a golden chance to reduce the arrears in 48 minutes, but shot straight at goalkeeper Ray Millard, who immediately foiled Mark Quayle with a fine save.

Two minutes later Barnet struck with their third goal when Des Hatch rose to score with an accurate header.

With Barnet cruising, Grazioli added a fourth in 66 minutes.

Vics nearly snatched a consolation goal when the tireless Steve Garvey broke through only to shoot straight at Millard.

Vics need to regroup for today's important game against Hereford United at WinchamPark when Stock-portCounty loan midfielder Ray McLachlan makes his home debut.

NORTHWICH: Connett; Royle, Foran (Norris 16), Handy-sides, Charnock; Devlin, McLaughlin (Hunter 68), Garvey, Burke; Quayle, Brayson (Hadland 56).