Midfield strength

 

I thought Barnet were terrific in midfield.  Debutant Roberto Casabella had a great game, defending well and creating numerous chances, none more so than in the build-up to Barnet’s second goal. 

 

The pace of Keanu Marsh-Brown caused Chester all sorts of problems and they were probably relieved to see him exit proceedings in the 68th minute. However, Luisma came off the bench to provide the assist for Barnet’s third goal five minutes later after Luke Gambin opened the scoring.

 

The Bees have had talented individuals in midfield and on the wings in the last few seasons, but as a complete midfield unit, on Saturday’s performance Barnet’s engine room will take some beating this season.

 

The Hive match experience

 

For all the sadness of leaving the Underhill, I was very impressed with the match experience at The Hive. 

 

The Hive bar was bustling, or should I say buzzing, with anticipation pre-match.  There was an excellent selection of liquid refreshments available and needless to say I went back after the game to toast Barnet’s victory – the bar was packed and it was a great occasion. 

 

With our brand new membership cards, entrance to the ground was seamless.  The cards scanned and we quickly took our seats in the West Stand, Row A.  It was all a world away from the frustrating ten minutes I would regularly spend pre match queuing to get into Underhill’s South Stand.

 

Jake Hyde scores goals

 

Less of an epiphany and more of a reconfirmation – Jake Hyde scores goals.  Last season’s top scorer, who popped up with so many memorable goals including the last ever one at Underhill, grabbed a brace here.

 

The first was a real poacher’s goal after excellent work from Byrne and Casabella, the second a really classy finish lifting the ball over the Keeper to put the Bees 3-0 up. 

 

Barnet’s number 9 has goals in him and Marciano Mengerink, who scored this cracker in pre-season, Harry Carwford, Jon Nurse and a few youngsters will all provide healthy competition.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW9LHB5zMpc

 

This will not be an easy season

 

For all the undoubted plus points Saturday also showed that there will be few easy games in the Skrill Premier. 

 

Chester were well in the game in the first half and this is a team that was playing in the Conference North last season. 

There will be physical battles, as shown by the knocks Casabella took courtesy of our Cheshire friends, with Weston dishing it out with a robust challenge that resulted in a booking for Barnet’s number 4. 

 

It won”t be easy and there are many battles to be won, but in the first, the Bees were 3-0 victors.