CURTIS DOUBLE EARNS POINTS FOR THE BEES.....

Barnet FC Ladies 3 BedfordTown Bells LFC1

South East Combination League

Sunday 29 August 2004

At Hanwell Town FC

Two goals from Beth Curtis and a farewell strike from Annie Barratt ensured that Barnet FC Ladies maintained their 100% start to the season, by earning a 3-1 home win against Bedford Town.

In a fairly even opening half-hour, Barnet had two good opportunities to open the scoring.After 7 minutes, Hayley Johnson just failed to force home a Beth Curtis corner that had caused consternation in the visitors' defence.Seventeen minutes later, Danielle Richards perceptive short pass played in Kerry O'Connor, whose shot was well saved by Kate Lamacraft in the BedfordTown goal.

Barnet took the lead after 30 minutes.Hannah Grover broke into midfield for her position at right back, to receive a pass from Beth Curtis.Grover's return pass found Curtis 25 yards from goal and her accurate chip left the visiting keeper floundering as the ball found her net.

 Beth Curtis - 2 Goals against Bedford Town

The goal sparked Barnet's best period of the match.A sweeping move up field involving Charlie Longuehaye, Danielle Richards and Kerry O'Connor resulted in a failed penalty appeal for handball.Moments later a counter attack led to O'Connor feeding Curtis who forced an excellent full length save from the Bedford goalkeeper.Shortly before half time the visiting keeper was in action again when she was forced to tip Hayley Johnson's shot over the bar.

The interval seemed to come at the wrong time for the Bees, who appeared to surrender the initiative to BedfordTown in the opening period of the second half.After 61 minutes, the Bedford striker Clark broke away and calmly took the ball round the advancing Barnet goalkeeper Jess Devoti to slot the ball home for an equaliser.

The Barnet Manager, Tracey Kevins responded by introducing Donna McGuigan and Becky Morrison in an attempt to add some urgency to her side's play.The switch eventually seemed to have the desired effect as Barnet scored twice in a three-minute spell late in the match to secure a 3-1 victory and the all-important three points.

After 82 minutes, Annie Barratt connected with a Beth Curtis free kick to fire in a shot on the turn from 12 yards.It was fitting that Annie should score the goal to mark her last game for the Bees before returning to LoughboroughUniversity.

Two minutes later an inch perfect through ball was met with a well timed run from midfield by Beth Curtis who kept her cool perfectly to slip the ball home to give the Bees a 3-1 advantage.

In the final minute, Donna McGuigan tested the visiting goalkeeper again with a rasping drive. A goal would have been a fitting reward for the young Barnet winger for her excellent cameo performance since being introduced as a second half substitute.

Barnet Team: Jess Devoti; Hannah Grover, Annie Barratt, Charlotte Herson, Amanda Clothier; Hayley Johnson, Charlie Longuehaye, Danielle Richards, Cerrie Byrne; Beth Curtis, Kerry O'Connor.

Substitutes: Donna McGuigan (for Hayley Johnson 52 mins), Becky Morrison (for Danielle Richards 76 mins).Not Used: Alysha Cole and Laura Shackel.

Goalscorers: Beth Curtis (17 & 84 mins), Annie Barratt (82 mins).

Next Sunday (5 September) Barnet FC Ladies travel to play NorthamptonTown in a South East Combination fixture.They return to HanwellTown the following weekend (12 September) when Rushden & Diamonds are the visitors.