News

06/11/2007 - McParland happy with a draw

Barnet 1 v 1 Notts County
Barnet manager Paul Fairclough refused to blame goalkeeper Lee Harrison after his error gave Notts County a share of the spoils at Underhill.

Jason Puncheon's spectacular strike had put the Bees in charge before Harrison missed Richard Butcher's cross early in the second half.

Fairclough preferred to concentrate on his side's performance although he did think Barnet should have secured all three points.

He said: "No-one has mentioned that we had missed lots of opportunities. It's only the keeper that gets criticised.

"If the keeper makes a mistake he gets castigated for it. He's been tremendous for us so I can't criticise him.

"I don't think a draw was a fair result. Notts County played well and battled admirably but should have had all three points.

"I'm really proud of the players because they responded after the result at the weekend. They all worked their socks off.

"It was really important that we bounced back from the defeat at Bury and we did bounce back. The enthusiasm and passion is there now we just need a bit of composure."

Notts County finished the stronger side but neither team could force a winner and away manager Ian McParland was very happy with the result.

"Barnet are a good team, a very good side. If you go away from home most of the time you will be glad with a point" said McParland.

"I thought we were in the game in the first half and then they hit us with a wonder goal. I'm delighted with the way the boys put the effort in. Its just shame our quality from set pieces wasn't good enough.

"I can't fault the effort but when we got the goal we then got on top of them and then let them back into it.

"Although the goalkeeper made a mistake for the goal we played a bit of football in the build up and it led to good things."