After the promise of Barnet’s win at Port Vale at the weekend, the Bees were brought down to earth at Dean Court last night. Ian Hendon was forced to make changes from the side that finally broke Barnet’s dismal run of 10 successive away defeats at the weekend. Paul Furlong’s eye injury kept him out and Jake Hyde came in up front to partner John O’Flynn. At centre back, Gary Breen failed to pass a fitness test and Joe Devera moved over from right back with Mark Hughes, back from suspension, coming in at right back.
Bournemouth were in control from the start with the Bees being pushed very much on the defensive and Barnet could count themselves fortunate to be level at half time; the Cherries top striker, Brett Pitman twice failing to score when well placed.
The second half started in much the same manner and Pitman against shot white when well placed but the home side took the lead just before the hour when Steve Fletcher headed home from Liam Feeney’s fine cross.
Two minutes later and Pitman put the Cherries 2-0 up with a goal that many Bees’ fans felt should be disallowed for a foul on Jake Cole. Soon after, John O’Flynn limped off to be replaced by Kenny Gillet and the game was truly over when Pitman added his second with about a quarter of an hour remaining.
So, a disappointing result from the Bees as they returned to their usual poor away form. Barnet failed to hit a single shot on target all game. This defeat saw the Bees drop one place to 17th. Next up is another game against promotion challengers, this time Bury at Underhill on Saturday.
Bournemouth: Jalal; Garry, Pearce, Bartley, Wiggins; Robinson, Feeney (McQuoid 81); Pitman, Connell (Cummings 83), Bradbury, Fletcher (Goulding 78).
Barnet; Cole; Hughes, Devera, Kamdjo, Lockwood; Adomah, M Hyde, Livermore, Jarrett (Deverdics 85); O’Flynn (Gillet 63), J Hyde.
Att: 4019
