Northampton Town 1 Barnet 2

Last updated : 09 August 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Matches between the Cobblers and Bees have a habit of being historic occasions.

In October 1994, Barnet were the first visitors to Northampton,s Sixfields Stadium and this latest clash dashed Barnet's first league win as they returned to life with the big boys after a four year absence - only came after a bizarre floodlight failure.

Referee Barry Knight could have used a torch among his essential equipments to guide the players from the pitch when a local powercut caused a power surge which left everyone in darkness after 61 minutes.

There was a half hour delay before matters were rectified, and Barnet seized the initiative two minutes from time with a winning goal from Nicky Bailey, a low left-foot drive after an neat passing move to complete a memorable comeback.

The visitors had looked dead and buried at half time even though Northampton only lead with Lawrie Dudfield's 31st minute near post header following a free kick from the Cobblers star man David Hunt.

In reality Northampton should have been clear by the break with Dudfield rolling an early chance wide of the far post when sent clear while Eric Sabin was unlucky seven minutes before the break when he cut inside and saw his low drive bounce back off a post.

Minutes after the restart Sabin unleashed a fierce 25-yarder which shaved the crossbar but that was virtually it from a Northampton attacking view.

Barnet drew level in the 56th minute when Dean Sinclair rounded off a 1-2 with Giuliano Grazioli by poking the ball wide of Lee Harper.

Grazioli's lack of control minutes earlier had sounded warning signs infront of goal which Northampton failed to heed.

Barnet could have edged in front even before their late winner when Richard Graham threaded a pass to Sinclair 11 minutes from time, the midfielder advancing on goal before cracking a snapshot which Harper failed to hold, but tipped over the crossbar.