A cloud burst just before the kick off made the playing surface ideal for the slick passing of the Barnet team as they saw off the challenge of Championship local rivals Watford by a 3-2 scoreline at Underhill this afternoon.

Despite an array of substitutions in the second half the Bees had a strong hold on this game, and they were in no mood, at any stage, to let their advantage slip.

Barnet took the lead just before half time when Birchall collected a pass from Joe Devera and steadied himself before blasting the ball past Scott Loach in the Hornet's goal.

Max Porter in the centre of midfield was having a fine match. He was a good example of Barnet's pressing game; they do not let anyone settle on the ball, and in Porter the Bees had a player who consistently used the ball well all afternoon.

Barnet extended their lead early in the second period when from a well worked free kick routine, the substitute Karim Rouani made sure he was first to the ball when Birchall's cross came in.

Trialist Rouani, who'd replaced Cliff Akurang at half time did his chances of securing a deal with the Bees no harm with a display that combined aggression and adroit ability on the ball.

A Jon Harley header briefly brought the Hornets back into contention, but the Bees responded quickly and Luke Medley, now with five pre season goals to his name, finished calmly putting the game beyond Watford.

A powerful header from a corner by the man mountain that is Danny Shittu did give the score a more respectable look from a Watford perspective, but it can not disguise the fact that Barnet comprehensively saw off the challenge of a Championship team, with a little to spare.

In the final pre season warm up game before the football season starts in earnest against Chesterfield at Underhill this next week this was a good a send off as it is almost possible to imagine.

David Bloomfield