Barnet indoors, then.
We like to think we’re good eggs here at BoroGuide HQ, treating those less fortunate than ourselves with grace, compassion and patience. But, when it comes to our lowly guests this weekend, we just can’t do that. The Bees come to the Lamex with a five-point advantage over us in the table and the ridiculous idea that they’re somehow better than us. That has to change.
Stevenage v Barnet: Pre-Match Buzz
We can’t be seen to lose this one. It’s that simple, even if the Stevenage management don’t agree with that. It’s not the slight on our good name or the inevitable loss of county-wide prestige, but – come on – Barnet have the filthiest form on the road in the entire division. It’s no good reaching for platitudes after the game if we lose, it’ll be nothing short of a flaming disaster.
Barnet have won just once away from The Hive this term, conceding 31 goals (again, the worst in League Two) and failing to keep a single clean sheet on someone else’s turf. It’s not saying much, but even we haven’t been that bad. And when the Bees roll into town, goals are almost expected – there have been more than 2.5 goals in nine of their 13 away games this season.
Oh. And their defensive record away from home is unrivalled in it’s ineptitude this season – 31 conceded. The stats pile up in our favour here, but – with it – so does the pressure. Perhaps? At least we’ve got a new defender in, which means the gaffer is trying to shut up shop in, hopefully, a manner not seen since Woolworths packed up business.
The bookies are hedging their bets on a similar outcome; Marathon offering 19/20 on both Over AND Under 2.5 Goals – but you could be tempted by Over 3.5 (12/5, BetVictor) if you look at our last two meetings. Not only do we have the 3-2 reverse at their gaff earlier this campaign, but also the 4-2 home win in January 2011. Sparks fly when the Boro’ and Bees collide.
In total, there have been 57 goals traded when its been a case of Stevenage v Barnet, ever since we first met in the 1986 Herts Senior Cup Final. BUT, most of those goals have gone to them. And the balance of power still (perhaps) lies with them – nine wins to our six. This is where they get the stupid idea they’re better than us – from 1980s and 1990s county cup games.
‘Cos apparently they count…
So, what else is there to be said? Barnet are woeful on the road and we ought to be taking them to the cleaners this weekend, but it all comes back to our problems in defence. See, the run of form that we’ve been on can make a good man turn bad – so, Bees Bees Bees, let us let us let us… let us get what we want this time. Lord knows it would be the first time… in 2016.
BoroGuide’s Barnet club profile – now accepting bookings for 2017