Shrewsbury Town 1 - 0 Barnet

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Saturday Nov 17 2007 03:00

Shrewsbury Town recorded their first home for two months as a late, late winner from substitute Michael Symes earned them victory over visiting Barnet.

Two and a half of the additional four minutes had been played, with this often entertaining encounter seemingly heading for a goalless draw - but then Symes struck his third goal of the season to secure the home side only their second victory in ten league matches.

While it was tough luck on high-flying Barnet, who looked set to leave with a point, Town just about deserved their victory after dominating the final 20 minutes, although it did appear their pressure would be in vain until Symes ensured all three points.

Despite not scoring until the dying moments, Shrewsbury had numerous chances throughout the game, with the wastefulness of striker Stuart Nicholson almost costing them dear.

On three occasions and twice in quick succession during an evenly contested first half, Nicholson had only Barnet keeper Lee Harrison to beat, but was thwarted on each occasion.

The visitors created the best of their opportunities in the first half with the lively strike pairing of Liam Hatch and Adam Birchall keeping the home defence busy - with Hatch having a goal ruled out for offside, while Birchall forced a diving save from Shrews goalkeeper Glyn Garner.

After the break Shrewsbury gradually gained the upper hand and with centre-forward and top scorer Dave Hibbert unfortunate not to score on a number of occasions, it seemed the afternoon would end in frustration for the home side as Barnet repelled their attacks and with time almost up a draw looked the only possible outcome.

But right at the death good work from second-half substitute Marc Pugh created the opening for Symes - who came on with just ten minutes to go - and he was able to drill the ball under Harrison and into net to clinch a welcome win for Gary Peters' men.

  • 90
    That's it, it's all over, the referee has blown the final whistle.
  • 90
    Goal!! Shrewsbury have scored with Michael Symes putting it in the back of the net.
  • 90
    Michael Symes is booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 90
    Barnet are replacing Michael Leary with Ian Hendon.
  • 87
    Kenny Gillet is booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 86
    The referee has booked Dave Hibbert.
  • 83
    Barnet are replacing Max Porter with Nicky Nicolau.
  • 81
    Stuart Nicholson is replaced by Michael Symes.
  • 78
    The referee has booked Joe Devera.
  • 69
    Neil Wainwright is being taken off, Ben Herd has come on in his place.
  • 62
    David Hunt is booked for unsporting behaviour.
  • 49
    Jason Puncheon goes into the referees book for unsporting behaviour.
  • 46
    The second half is under way with the score currently at 0 v 0.
  • 46
    Shrewsbury are replacing Steven Leslie with Marc Pugh.
  • 45
    The ref has blown his whistle for half time.
  • 0
    The ref has blown his whistle and the match has started.

Statistics

Shrewsbury Town
Shots on target 11
Shots off target 1
Shots off bar/post 0
Fouls 13
Offsides 2
Corners 8

Barnet
Shots on target 8
Shots off target 5
Shots off bar/post 0
Fouls 19
Offsides 2
Corners 4

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