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Gannon insists Barnet won't be a soft touch

Simon Smedley
23/ 4/2008

COUNTY boss Jim Gannon is not expecting anything like an easy ride when his side travel south to take on Barnet on Saturday.

Paul Fairclough’s Bees are out of the race for the play-offs, are well clear of the relegation scrap, and are currently facing an injury pile-up, but Gannon is preparing as professionally and intensely as ever this week as his side keep up their challenge for the coveted third automatic promotion spot.

Gannon said: "Players at our level are in the habit of being professional and playing to the best of their ability, and Barnet are no different. They’ve got plenty of life in them.

"There will be players playing for contracts and perhaps even playing for moves.

"Barnet will be disrupted a little by injuries to key players and they will be a bit stretched, but it’s always tough down there and they’ve got a fantastic home record.

"They’ve got a lot of attacking options and some lively front-runners, so we’ll have to keep it nice and tight at the back to give ourselves a great opportunity to win the game.

"Barnet are good at home, but if we can keep ourselves at the standard we’ve set ourselves over the last four months, then we’ll get that victory."

It would be a crucial three points for County should they get them at Underhill.

The Hatters slipped to their first defeat in 11 games last Saturday against champions-elect MK Dons, then Hereford’s 2-0 home win over Wrexham on Tuesday night moved them four points clear in third place, although County do have one game in hand, at Chester City next Tuesday night [29th].

Barnet defenders Sagi Burton, captain Ismail Yakubu and Joe Devera will all miss Saturday’s game through injury.

Meanwhile, County’s on-loan defender Shaleum Logan has been recalled by parent club Manchester City.

City have a few injuries to contend with at present so exercised their 24-hour recall clause in the deal.