Pre season matches are all about improving fitness and a team evolving into shape before the more testing examination of a league campaign. Tonight's comprehensive defeat at the hands of Northwood, of step 4 in football's pyramid, may well make a contribution to that end since the Bees boss Paul Fairclough would have learnt much about the players on trial that he may or may not wish to continue with in the light of this performance.

The Bees starting line up contained only one first team regular, Neal Bishop, who captained the side, and as the game wore on more experienced players, in the shape of Cliff Akurang, Adam Birchall, Michael Leary and Max Porter came on and steadied the ship.

The second half was goal less, but at half time Northwood were 3-1 up, and deservedly so. Two goals from Michael Gordon and one from Abdul Yoki gave the home side a three goal advantage as Northwood looked capable of scoring almost at will in the first half.

Northwood capitalised on defensive frailties and all over the pitch they looked a team that had played together and were working hard to maintain and even extend their lead.

Luke Medley gave the Bees a glimmer of hope of a comeback with a penalty just before half time and although Barnet did marginally better in the second period, certainly in terms of closing down their opponents, the Northwood keeper was not over extended.

A disappointing result and a less than convincing display no doubt, but it is to be hoped that an indicative display of the season ahead was to be found at Harlow last night when a much more recognisable Barnet Xl took to the field both in terms of personnel and performance.

David Bloomfield

David Bloomfield.