Thr-easy does it for Barnet

Barnet 3 Darlington 0

Nationwide League Division Three

Steve Searle's splendid seventh minute goal, his first of the season, gave Barnet an ideal start and they duly completed their first double of the campaign having won 2-0 at Feethams on the opening day.

An entertaining game full of bright attacking play could have produced plenty of goals for both sides, and Lul Fuccillo, Barnet's assistant manager, provided an apt summing up when he commented: "A 6-4 scoreline to us would have been a fair reflection of the play."

Darren Currie, restored to the Bees' starting line-up after being substitute for the two previous games, was inspirational in their opening goal. In a slick left wing build-up, triggered by John Doolan, Currie hit a tremendous long pass to Marlon King, darted behind the cover, and delivered a perfect high cross for Searle to leave keeper David Preece helpless with a well-placed forceful header.

Despite the absence of dangerman Maco Gabbiadini, who was suspended, Darlington hit back strongly, prompted by skilful Michael Oliver, and it needed some astute positional play by Jon Ford to get the Bees off the hook.

Mike Basham, who also defended well and was sponsors Langley and Partners man of the match, had a back header fisted clear by keeper Preece,who also got down well to hold King's powerful 20-yard shot.

King, only 18, confirmed his bright potential with his pace and flashes of passing skill. The only flaw was that he was that he was often trapped offside.

Said manager John Still: "Marlon again did well and is an exciting prospect. He's been playing in the reserves where defenders don't set the offside trap often. But he'll soon learn to time his runs."

Barnet should have made the game safe before the break, wasting two opportunities in quick succession. A smooth build-up, involving Doolan, Searle, Paul Wilson and Sam Stockley saw the wing-back's cross touched on by Ken Charlery, but Currie fired high over.

Then Charlery's deft overhead flick sent Searle clear with only the keeper to beat, but he sent his cross shot wide.

Referee Gurnam Singh had to retire through injury at half time, and asistant Mr J R Kasey took over in the middle.

After only a minute, Mr Kasey was awarding a goal. Goalkeeper Preece dropped the ball from Currie's corner and Charlery drove it in for Barnet's second goal and his 12th of the season.

It needed a point-blank save by keeper Lee Harrison to prevent Glenn Naylor replying, before Wilson made the game safe for the Bees on the hour with a penalty. Currie ended a burst with a pass to Doolan who was brought down by defender Phil Brumwell, and Wilson powered in the spot kick.

BARNET: Harrison, Stockley, Currie (Barnes,78), Basham, Ford, Arber, Searle, Doolan, Charlery, King (McGleish, 76). Sub not used: Sawyers.

Attendance: 1,723.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.