A SIXTH minute goal from Oliver Allen condemns Town to a disappointing defeat here at Underhill, despite Swindon having over half the crowd in attendance on Town's first visit to Underhill.
Town manager Paul Sturrock made two changes to his starting line-up to face Barnet at Underhill with Lukas Jutkiewicz and Curtis Weston replacing Lee Peacock and Michael Pook. Peacock was ruled out with a back injury whilst Pook was rested in favour of the returning Weston.
It was Swindon's first ever visit to Underhill and they started the game heading down the famous slope towards the South Stand. Jerel Ifil headed a Roberts free-kick into the grateful arms of Spurs loanee keeper Robert Burch.
However Town were a goal down with just six minutes on the clock. After Jamie Vincent had conceded a free-kick midway into his own half, Nicky Bailey swung in a free-kick. The ball was headed down by Yakubu and Oliver Allen, the son of Clive Allen, poked the ball home past Smith. Allen was making his first start for The Bees after signing on a free transfer from Birmingham City in January.
Nicky Bailey was again at the heart of Barnet's attacking play and he saw a low drive on 10 minutes fly straight into Smith's midrift.
Swindon's first effort arrived in the 14th minute with Christian Roberts turning on the edge of the area and hitting a 20-yard effort well over. Jamie Vincent, Captaining the Town side in the absence of both Williams and Peacock, had to be at his best on 23 minutes to cut out a through ball to Simon King.
Michael Timlin became the first Town player to be booked when he was yellow carded for bringing down Dean Sinclair. Andy Nicholas's long throw caused problems inside the Barnet box once again on 38 with Ifil's header bringing a decent save out of Burch. Oliver Allen then saw a drive fly into the arms of Smith.
Town won their first corner of the game on the stroke of half-time with Shakes' run resulting in the set-piece. Despite Swindon flooding the box, Roberts' corner was easily cleared upfield. Immediately after Cogan's corner was headed just wide by goalscorer Allen.
Half-Time: Barnet 1 Swindon Town 0
During the half-time break travelling Town fan Graham Davies was congratulated as this evening sees Graham complete a visit to all 92 league football grounds following the Town.
Swindon should have equalised three minutes into the second half. A lofted ball into the box was headed across goal by Jutkiewicz to Roberts at the far post. With the goal gaping, Roberts' header from six-yards was brilliantly turned around for a corner by Burch. Nicky Bailey then saw his flicked header fly over at the other end from a corner by Cogan.
Jack Smith became the second Town player to be booked on the night after bringing down Dean Sinclair. Aaron Brown then smashed a left foot effort over on 56 minutes.
Barnet's first clear opening of the second period arrived on 58 minutes with Oliver Allen capitalising on some excellent work on the right by Cogan, who skipped past Nicholas on the right. Cogan squared the ball to Allen who fired low at Smith who saved low to prevent a sure second goal.
Jason Puncheon was introduced for The Bees on the hour with goalscorer Allen replaced up front.
Michael Timlin produced a piece of magic on 66 minutes. After a strong run and shot from Brown had been blocked, Timlin collected the ball and having spotted Burch off his line, clipped the ball towards the top corner only for Burch to get back and tip over.
Christian Roberts saw his turn and shot hit the post after another fine save from Burch on 72 minutes. The Welshman was again causing problems as his run ended in a shot against the sidenetting.
Blair Sturrock was introduced into the action on 74 minutes in place of Ricky Shakes with Pook also replacing Weston. Christian Roberts was then booked for a dive on 79 minutes with time pressing on.
In the closing ten minutes of the game Sturrock's cross from the left was headed over by Jutkiewicz before Ifil entered the book for a handball on the half-way line. In the last two minutes Town forced two corners but the second was put straight out of play by Brown.
Full-Time: Barnet 1 Swindon Town 0
SWINDON TOWN: Phil Smith, Jack Smith, Jerel Ifil, Jamie Vincent (c), Andy Nicholas, Ricky Shakes (Sturrock 74), Curtis Weston (Pook 74), Michael Timlin, Aaron Brown, Lukas Jutkiewicz, Christian Roberts
Substitutes: Jon Stewart (GK), Patrick Noubissie, Sofiene Zaaboub, Blair Sturrock, Michael Pook
BARNET: Robert Burch; Ian Hendon ©, Simon King, Ismail Yakubu (Devera h/t), Adam Gross; Oliver Allen, Dean Sinclair, Nicky Bailey, Barry Cogan; Guiliano Grazioli, Richard Graham
Substitutes: Ross Flitney (GK), Andy Hessenthaler, Joe Devera, Nicky Nicolau, Jason Puncheon
Attendance: 2,639 (1,431 from Swindon!)
