Crawley grateful to Barnett
Tyrone Barnett's early goal ensured leaders Crawley bounced back from their Boxing Day defeat at home to Gillingham with a 1-0 victory over struggling Barnet, who were condemned to their third defeat in four league matches.
Former Macclesfield striker Barnett gave Crawley the perfect start by firing them ahead from 16 yards in only the third minute after Kyle McFadzean mis-kicked a corner by Scott Neilson.
Defender Dean Howell almost doubled the advantage three minutes later with a tremendous left-footed 30-yard drive which cannoned back off the crossbar.
Barnet striker Izale McLeod missed a sharp chance when well placed just before the break after Mark Marshall's cross was headed on by skipper Mark Hughes.
Visiting goalkeeper Dean Brill parried a goal-bound shot from Matt Tubbs as Crawley threatened immediately after the break.
Brill saved a header from skipper Pablo Mills and Barnett saw a deflected 30-yard shot go wide as Crawley looked to extend their advantage.
Barnet almost snatched a point, but Scott Shearer saved well from top scorer McLeod.
Source: PA
Source: PA