Barnet 2 Hereford United 0

Nationwide Conference

Leon Bell, Barnet's 20-year-old midfielder, underlined his class with two magic moments in the 2-0 win over Hereford United on Saturday.

Barnet's fourth win in a five-match unbeaten league run lifted them to third in the table, eight points behind leaders Boston.

Bell demonstrated his passing skill in the 33rd minute with a glorious ball from wide on the right that top scorer Ben Strevens steered in from close range for his ninth league goal of the season.

But Bell's outstanding contribution came in the 54th minute, when he swooped on a half clearance by Hereford and from the edge of the penalty area, sent the ball high into the net with a powerful right-foot shot.

Barnet were without skipper Greg Heald, serving a one-match ban. Rob Sawyers dropped back from midfield to fill the gap and coped admirably.

Following an early escape, when a header from United's Rob Elmes hit the top of the bar, Barnet were seldom troubled.

Bees keeper Lee Harrison had only one save to make, diving to keep out a low goalbound shot from Hereford substitute Daniel Davidson in the second half.

The visitors suffered a blow after 17 minutes, when their captain, central defender Ian Wright, who scored the winner in their shock FA Cup victory over Second Division Wrexham recently, sustained an injury in trying to halt a threatening burst by Wayne Purser and hobbled off.

John Doolan, who had missed Barnet's previous 13 games with a hamstring problem, returned to action as substitute, replacing Frazer Toms in the 78th minute.

Stuart Niven, who deserved a goal for his non-stop effort in midfield, sent a 30-yard drive over the bar in the last minute.

BARNET: Harrison, Gledhill, Sawyers, Arber, Gower, Bell, Niven, Toms (Doolan 77), Strevens, Purser (Midgley 70). Attendance: 1,713. Man of the match: Bell.

Paul Wilson, back at Barnet in a coaching role, watched the action from the dugout during the 2-0 home league win over Hereford on Saturday.

Popular Paul was Barnet's longest-serving player, and he spent more than 12 seasons at Underhill.

He has the distinction of having made the most Football League appearances for the Bees, a total of 263, before switching to Boston United.

Persistent knee trouble, which needed three operations, ended Paul's playing career and at 37, he is looking to achieve success as a coach and manager.

"I had happy times here as a player, and it's good to be back," said Paul.

December 5, 2001 11:03

JOHN POLLARD