Ian Hendon warns against complacency as Darlington, bottom of League 2, make a quick return to Underhill on Saturday in the 1st Round of The FA Cup after their 3-0 defeat a fortnight ago.

It's an important game for the Bees, unbeaten at home in eight League matches this season (six wins and two draws), as they set off on the Wembley trail hopeful for a place in the third round and a lucrative draw against a top club. The winners of Saturday's tie receive £18,000.

A replay, if needed, will be at Darlington on Tuesday 17 November with a 7.45pm kick-off. The Bees and/or their visitors will be ball No 30 in the draw for the second round live on ITV 1 at 3.35pm on Sunday.

Reflecting on the comprehensive sounding victory against Darlington, Hendon has referred this week to the visitors as "tough opponents".

He accepts that things only needed to take taken a slightly different turn - Darlington could have been a goal or two clear at the interval - for a very different result.

But - "like in many matches the first goal proved crucial", said the manager.

Although Chesterfield made it four successive away defeats in the league last season by a single goal margin, the Bees can reflect on two goal-line clearances by the home side and a Mark Hughes dipping shot that was tipped over by goalkeeper Tommy Lee. Hendon was pleased with the performance, if not the result, and reckoned that the Bees deserved something from the game.

One big plus was that Albert Adomah offered a new three year deal the day before the game was in top form at Saltergate and gave his marking defender a harrowing afternoon.

There will be a minute's silence before Saturday's game in recognition of Remembrance Day and the Barnet players will have stick-on poppies on their shirts. The Royal British Legion have been invited to sell poppies at Underhill.


Dennis Signy