The wisdom of assembling a squad of players that can cope in an injury crisis and prevail was evident at Plainmoor as Barnet deservedly won their first away match of the new season by a 1-0 scoreline.

Injuries had deprived Ian Hendon of the services of Joe Devera, Gary Breen, Daniel Leach and Kenny Gillet; quite a back four!

In came debutants Clovis Kamdjo at centre back and at left back Ahmed Deen and both put in sterling, determined performances, getting their bodies in the way, intercepting and defending with no little guile and guts.

Micah Hyde took control of much of the proceedings in the centre of midfield, providing a genuine calm authority. Rarely losing possession he fed a constant stream of passes into the forwards and wide players.

In the 26th minute, with Barnet attacking the Haliborange End, a crude thigh high challenge on Albert Jarrett as he sped down the left flank by Chris Todd, which surprisingly attracted only a caution, set the scene for the Bees to take the lead. Albert Adomah floated in the resulting free kick and after one bounce the ball was in the top corner. A good delivery no doubt, but slightly fortuitous nevertheless.

If the goal had an element of luck about it, it was a deserved lead since in most departments the Bees held the upper hand.

In the 38th minute Adomah again had the ball in the net following a neat, intricate series of passes on the edge of the Torquay box that had completely opened up the home side's defence. An offside decision by the referee, rather than by his assistant, put paid to thoughts of a 2-0 half time advantage.

In the second half the home side launched waves of attack, but they mostly floundered on the resolute Bee's defence. If that was breached Jake Cole was on hand to deny the home side with a couple of first class saves; and there was always the woodwork, which kept out a late Nicky Wroe effort.

As an attacking force Barnet always had the pace of their wingmen to call upon and this kept the home defence from making attacking contributions of their own.

Barnet displayed great resolution on the English Riviera to return north with all three points and there were few complaints from the home side as to the righteousness of the outcome. Not a classic performance but a classic away result.

The day had started with the players being served their breakfast in their hotel by a Stevenage Borough supporter and was delayed on the journey home when the party sufferred a blow out of a rear tyre on the team coach. All of little import in the final analysis; providing you have secured all three points. 

The Bees entertain Notts County this coming Saturday at Underhill.

David Bloomfield.