Jason Puncheon produced a free kick of power and precision to earn the Bees all three points with a late winner. The relief at notching their first victory of the season was palpable as fans and players alike punched the air at the final whistle.
Barnet gave debuts to Kenny Gillet at left back and Josh Wright in midfield. Wright, the 17-year-old on loan from Charlton Athletic, started brightly and kept the ball moving, his keen tackling endearing him to the home crowd.
Gillet, whose international clearance from the French FA had arrived only late the previous evening, soon showed himself to be comfortable on the ball and able to deliver accurate cross field passes.
Puncheon gave early warning of his intention to leave his mark on the game with a series of mazy runs down the left flank. He delivered a number of tantalising crosses that the Barnet forwards were not able to capitalise on.
On the other wing, Ashley Carew and Adam Birchall, often combined to effect, but the Bees were unable to establish a lead, despite the occasional flash of attacking flair from Anthony Thomas.
The Bradford City keeper, Donovan Ricketts, was equal to anything thrown at him, but was left helpless when a free kick from the right by Puncheon, late in the first half, was steered into his own net by the unfortunate Eddie Johnson. This was a lead that the home sides first half display had warranted.
The Bantams, however drew level early in the second half when a left footed pile driver by Eddie Johnson from outside the box rocketed past the despairing Lee Harrison.
The visitors were now in the ascendancy, with the pace and power of Omar Daley causing danger whenever he was on the ball. Barry Conlon cleverly carved out an opportunity with a deft headed pass into the path of Daley, but the Bradford forward failed to hit the target.
Fortune favoured the Bees when the woodwork came to their rescue three times, but Bradford were somehow held at bay.
Only minutes before Puncheon would give the Bees the lead he had seen another dead ball strike hit the woodwork. It transpired that he was only finding his range.
The delicious strike by the Bees winger that proved decisive had Ricketts scampering franticly but failing to keep to ball from finding its target.
Bradford may have found the defeat hard to take since they had much of the second half play but this was the first time that Lady Luck had decided to watch the Bees in action this season.
Bees fans had feared the worst when referee Miller responded to a tumble in the area by Bradford's Kyle Nix. No repeat however of Brentford last week when a penalty was awarded for the mildest of challenges. This time Nix was cautioned for diving. This decision summed up the differences in fortunes experienced by Barnet today and by the Bees the previous week.
Puncheon proved decisive but credit must go to the team too for their endeavours. The debutants played their part and the rapidly maturing Joe Devera returned from suspension with a display at right back which augers well for the future.
David Bloomfield
Attendance: 2,412 (687)
