The Isuzu FA Trophy

Barnet wary of goal-getters Concord in FA Trophy

Friday 12 Dec 2014
Barnet boss Martin Allen

In The FA Trophy this weekend, high-flying Barnet face a Concord Rangers side who will be looking for revenge for last season's FA Cup knockout.

It would have been Concord's first ever appearance in the First Round of The FA Cup but a 3-0 defeat halted any chance of the Conference South side making history.

The Bees have enjoyed a successful season so far under Martin Allen as they ride clear at the top of the Conference Premier, aiming to bounce back into the Football League.

Concord Rangers v Barnet

The FA Trophy
First Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 13 December
The Aspect Arena, Concord Rangers FC
Winning club will receive £5,000 from FA prize fund

Concord have never progressed beyond the First Round of The FA Trophy and it's a tough task for them to buck the trend this time. However, Barnet are without some regular starters for the trip.

The hosts can also be encouraged by the fact Barnet have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine games, while Concord thumped Farnborough 7-0 at Thames Road in their last outing.

Bees head coach Martin Allen feels his side will be tested on Saturday but his players will be more than up for the challenge. 

He said: "It will be a difficult game, they've scored 11 goals in their last two games.

"It's an opportunity for players not in the first eleven. We rotate at Barnet and get the young players coming through.

"If anything it'll be a stronger team. Everyone in the youth team can play in the first eleven without question. They'll have desire and hunger to play. You don't go top of the youth league without good quality players."

Allen is in his fourth spell as Barnet manager and proud of his time at the club, but confessed he never feels relaxed in the hot seat.

He said: "As a manager, you never feel comfortable. I'm well aware of how the job works. If you start losing games, you're gone. I'm enjoying it but I'll never feel comfortable in a managerial position."

Barnet have come a long way this season, and Allen believes the expectations of the club can be exceeded after their strong start.

He added: "Bookies were placing Barnet between 8th and 12th. To be nine points clear at this stage, we've shocked everyone except ourselves."

By FA Staff