Brennan dismissed but Bees end Magpies’ run
Alan Devonshire’s men are beaten by Barnet at The Hive
Barnet 2,
Maidenhead United 1 Maidenhead United's four game unbeaten run in all competitions was brought to an end at The Hive on Saturday afternoon with substitute Marvin Armstrong tucking home a late the winner for Barnet to see off the Magpies' second half fightback.
Having fallen behind to Nicke Kabamba's opener for the Bees in the 33rd minute, the Magpies had done well to drag themselves back into the contest, with Charlee Adams levelling matters from the penalty sport just before the hour mark.
But, just when it seemed the Magpies might go on and claim all three points, they were caught on the counter with Armstrong nodding the ball past Dan Gyollai after the Magpies' stopper had kept out the hosts' initial strike. There was still time for a further moment of controversy, when Kanu was booked for simulation in the box in the 83rd minute, a decision which led to an incensed Dean Brennan being dismissed for dissent.
The result lifted the Bees to 10th, and within three points of the play-off spots, while Maidenhead sat 15th ahead of Tuesday's home game with Solihull Moors at York Road.
Trips to The Hive generally haven't been happy ones for Maidenhead and their travelling fans, and this one proved no different - although, while United disappointed once again, this was a big improvement on last season's lacklustre display.
Barnet began the game better with Ben Wynter forcing Gyollai into a good save with a stinging drive.
Former Burnham striker Kabamba then came close with a deflected strike that Gyollai tipped over.
He made no mistake with his second opening on the halfhour though, finding space in the Magpies area to fire the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal. The home side continued to press for a second which might have killed off the Magpies, however, Gyollai stood firm to keep them in touch. Ryan De Havilland had two big chances with efforts that looked to be headed for the back of the net before United's big Hungarian got a hand to them and forced them out.
Whatever boss Alan Devonshire said to the players at halftime must have worked, because
Maidenhead were a much improved outfit after the interval. Dominating possession, their livelier start to the period was rewarded when Will De Havilland was brought down in the box and referee Matthew Dicicco pointed to the spot.
Adams was calmness personified with his spotkick, sending Bees' keeper Laurie Walker the wrong way to make it 1-1 in the 57th minute. It was also his third goal in his last three matches and he came close to a second minutes later with a strike from distance that Walker saved well.
Sam Barratt then saw a longrange effort kept out as United sensed the possibility of picking up all three points. Substitute Adrian Clifton came on for Emile Acquah and had the ball in the net with 10 minutes to play, however, the linesman's offside flag robbed him of a rare goal this season. But, just when they were building up a head of steam, Barnet broke on them and reestablished their advantage, Armstrong making no mistake at the far post after Gyollai saved the initial shot. Devonshire tried to shake things up with the late introduction of Reece Smith and Brad Keetch for Koby Arthur and Zico Asare but they couldn't find an equaliser to extend their recent unbeaten run.