Tonight, Barnet travel to South London to meet Charlton in an FA Cup, 1st round replay. The first game ended goalless at Underhill earlier this month, when the Bees gave a brave and promising performance in which they could possibly count themselves unlucky not to have won. The winners of this replay will meet the winners of the Luton Town and Corby replayed 1st round match in the 2nd round to be played on the 27th November.
Barnet have since gained a valuable point away at Torquay last Saturday with Mark Byrne again scoring, his third in the last 5 matches. Byrne is now Barnet’s leading scorer this season with 4 goals to his name. The last two performances have given manager, Mark Stimson, and the fans, new hope after the dreadful performance at home to Stevenage.
Barnet have skipper, Glen Southam back after missing Saturday’s match through suspension, but left back, Jordan Parkes misses tonight’s game after having received five yellow cards. The Bees are without an orthodox left back replacement for Parkes and Stimson will have to choose between a number of players to fill in at left back, such as Sam Cox, Grant Basey, George Francomb and Clovis Kamdjo.
Apart from the problem at left back, Stimson is likely to go for the same team that started against Charlton in the original cup tie with Mauro Vilhete on the bench and likely to play some part in the game. There was good news earlier this week when it was announced that striker, Izale McLeod, a former Charlton player, has started training with the first team and should soon be in contention for a Barnet debut. Barnet have also extended the loan of George Francomb from Norwich City for another month.
Barnet’s team tonight could look something like this:
Cole
Devera Uddin Kamdjo Basey
Francomb Southam Byrne Marshall
Kabba Gallen
With Charlton thrashing Peterborough 5-1 at the weekend, it looks like a daunting trip for the Bees, who, to be honest, are on a hiding to nothing, as they say. Charlton will be without on winger, Lee Martin who has not had clearance to play and midfield player, Jose Semedo who is suspended. Meanwhile striker, Joe Anyinsah and winger, Scott Wagstaff are both doubts for the League One side.
For Barnet, it would take a remarkable performance if the Bees were to progress to round two and, perhaps, an off day for the home side. More importantly, it will be how the side perform on the night and if the Bees can continue their recent improved form which may bode well, ultimately, for League Two survival.
