Brentford 1 Barnet 0

Last updated : 10 March 2009 By Footymad Previewer
Brentford remained on course for promotion as they won the Battle of the Bees by overcoming Barnet at Griffin Park.

Andy Scott's side have lost one game all season at home in the league and although Barnet went close on a number of occasions, that record was never really threatened.

Marcus Bean's ninth goal of the season was enough to grab all three points and ensure Brentford remain top of the table going into the weekend's game with second place Wycombe.

It didn't take long for Brentford to assert their dominance on the game. On eight minutes Bean rose unchallenged at the near post to head home a Kevin O'Connor corner.

The midfielder's header gave Jake Cole little chance in the Barnet goal but the keeper may question the marking that allowed Bean to rise unchallenged.

Despite taking the lead Barnet did have chances, first Jon O'Flynn saw his free-kick go wide of Ben Hamer's goal.

Then 40-year-old Paul Furlong rolled back the years as he saw his curling shot from the edge of the box come crashing back off the post.

Just before the break Brentford upped the pressure and Sam Wood's powerful shot was well saved by Jake Cole in the visitor's goal.

Brentford started the second half on top and had a chance to extend their lead when Jordan Rhodes got on the end of an O'Connor free kick, but his header went just over the bar.

Gary Breen had a chance to level midway through the second half but the former Sunderland defender's volley went high and wide from six yards.

Brentford did have to weather a bit of a storm towards the end as Barnet went in search of an equaliser but they stood firm and opened up a seven point lead over Wycombe at the top of League Two.