Good news day at Barnet FC.

 

Paul Fairclough told www.barnetfc.com after Friday's training session:-

 

1) Striker Cliff Akurang has received the all-clear from the medics following a second scan, and

 

2) Adam Birchall, Michael Leary and Joe Devera, all affected by a bug earlier in the week, successfully completed the final training session of the week.

 

Paul Fairclough, "getter better and better as the week goes on" after being hit by the bug, and assistant Ian Hendon,also came through satisfactorily.

 

The result of the 27-year-old Akurang's scan was that he received the all-clear to resume full training on Monday.

 

The first scan, when he went to the doctor's complaining of a chest problem and shortage of breath, showed what was thought to be a "foot fracture".

 

The consultant on Wednesday ordered a retake, which revealed that the "fracture" was, in fact, an old injury, "A real lift for us", said Paul Fairclough, who added that the 6ft 2ins tall forward, who has missed the last two games, would not be involved in the FA Cup first round tie against in-form Rochdale at Underhill tomorrow as a precautionary measure, Akurang scored twice in the recent 4-3 win away to Rotherham.

 

Although the manager is keeping his counsel on his starting line-up and formation, the indications are that he is working on the basis of "if it aint broke, don't fix it" and is prepared to back the players who drew 3-3 at Bradford City last weekend.

 

Other Cup news:-

 

- Rochdale full back Tom Kennedy is the Coca-Cola League 2 outfield player with the most minutes on the pitch without a yellow card (1470), followed by Barnet's ever-present midfielder Neal Bishop (1440).

 

- Several Bees players have yet to receive a yellow card this season... Birchall and club captain Lee Harrison, in fact, went through last season without a caution.

 

- The match referee is James Linington, from the Isle of Wight, who is in his first year on the League list. His previous appearance at Underhill last month saw a 2-1 win for the Bees against Accrington Stanley, with the visitors collecting one red and five yellow cards and Akurang booked.

 

Dennis Signy