Following our recent look back at the tenth anniversary of Barnet FC leaving their beloved Underhill stadium, fan Hrishi Nimal-Raj sent us his memories of the team’s final match at the grand old ground.
He told us: “I attended that game 10 years ago with my close friends. The game took place on April 20, 2013, and was against Wycombe Wanderers. Dutch legend Edgar Davids was our player-manager.
“The game was memorable for many reasons. It was a 1-0 win, with Jake Hyde scoring the only goal of the game. But our keeper Graham Stack saved a penalty, ensuring that the last goodbye at Underhill ended with a win.
“I still have my matchday programme from the last game at Underhill.”
Although Barnet’s final game at Underhill - which they called home for 106 years - ended in a victory, they were pulled back into the drop zone seven days later on the final day of the season. A 1-0 defeat to Northampton Town meant the Bees dropped out of the Football League on goal difference.
Hrishi Nimal-Raj Barnet pic
The team had enjoyed a resurgence after former Milan and Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids took over as manager midway through the season, and Underhill had been a fortress for the side. But their fate was sealed with seven defeats from their final nine away fixtures, plus a lack of goals in the side, with top scorer Jake Hyde netting 14 times - and nobody else scoring more than five times across all competitions.
Hrishi added: “I’ve visited the Hive recently to see Barnet play a play-off eliminator with local rivals Boreham Wood FC.
If you have any memories or photos to share of watching Barnet FC at Underhill, email them to michele.newman@newsquest.co.uk All pics: Hrishi Nimal-Raj
“I hope Barnet will reach the Premier League soon, and our local rivals Luton Town have just been promoted themselves. There is a lot of proud football history in Hertfordshire when you include Barnet, Boreham Wood, Watford FC, and behind my house there is Hadley Rangers in Arkley, which has been a great development for talent coming through.
Hrishi Nimal-Raj Barnet pic
“My friends in the picture are Angelos Antoniades, Tanvir Sheikh and Rupert Coltman. Rupert is in the picture with me and Edgar Davids. The Coltman family have been great community members in Barnet having helped the NHS Hospital here greatly.”
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