It's time for Devine
Barnet 0 Chester City 0
Endsleigh League Division Three
Barnet, who had scored four goals in consecutive home wins, against Hull City (4-1) and Rotherham (4-2) lacked the cutting edge to complete the treble against Chester City on Sunday in their first goalless game of the season.
The man who might well have provided the pace and finishing power that was lacking, Sean Devine, was left clicking his heels on the bench for 79 minutes, until taking over from skipper Ken Charlery.
Sitting it out most of the match is becoming a habit for out-of-favour Devine, despite the fact he is the Bees' potentially most dangerous striker.
Devine didn't join in until the 85th minute against Rotherham. Then, with his first touch, he scored the goal that killed off the visitors' fightback.
Against Chester, Devine soon forced keeper Wayne Brown into a diving save. It was one of the rare occasions when Brown was put to the test by a Bees attack that lacked the pace and finishing power to capitalise on some slick approach work.
Midfielder John Doolan sprayed some superb passes about, frequently finding Darren Currie, but Currie, who had provided the crosses for the first three goals against Rotherham, was not as consistent with his deliveries this time.
A notable exception came in the 71st minute. In Barnet's best move of the match, Currie took a return pass from Scott McGleish and hit a perfect centre from the right that was met by Doolan with a powerful header that looked bound for the top of the net, but Brown produced a prodigious leap to tip the ball over the bar.
Steve Searle, set up by Doolan, hesitated in the box, and his shot was blocked and Charlery also delayed his effort too long following good work by Currie.
Chester, who produced some neat raids without looking dangerous, had the advantage of the slope in the second half.
But, after Harrison made another tremendous save in the 48th minute, blocking Luke Beckett's close range effort at the near post, Barnet's defence coped admirably to keep them at bay.
Billy Manuel, making a rare appearance in the starting line-up as deputy for the suspended Warren Goodhind, showed his capabilities.
BARNET: Harrison, Manuel, Harle, Sawyers, Basham, Arber, Searle (Onwere 89), Doolan, Charlery (Devine, 79), McGleish, Currie. Sub not used: King
Paul Wilson, who has joined George Borg's Aldershot Town on a month's loan, made his debut in the 2-0 home defeat against Hendon on Tuesday night.
The match against Brighton on Saturday, October 24 is all ticket. Tickets are on sale now from the box office which is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday's from 10am to 6pm. You can also call 0181 449 6325.
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