Home rule has Cottee's backing

While City were hammered 4-0 by Darlington in the LDV Vans Trophy in midweek, Barnet's 3-1 win at Second Division Peterborough United was manager Tony Cottee's first on the road since his appointment in November.

It was also sweet revenge for the Bees, who saw their promotion hopes dashed last season by Barry Fry's Posh when they were beaten 4-2 over two legs in the play-off semi-finals.

Victory also ended a run of three successive defeats for Cottee after a miserable Christmas - including a 6-1 hammering at Hartlepool - dented their play-off hopes.

Despite a pointless Christmas, having lost just twice at Underhill all season Barnet remain in 14th place and so will be anxious to get their League form back on track to keep on the coat-tails of the promotion hopefuls.

Former West Ham, Everton and Leicester striker Cottee, assisted by ex-Scarborough boss Steve Wicks, this week made his first signing since taking charge.

At 27 years of age, left-sided defender Lee Flynn must have thought his chance of playing in the Football League had passed.

But Cottee has paid Conference outfit Hayes £13,500 for his services and Flynn is expected to be named in the squad tomorrow.

Adding to a growing number of plus points for rookie manager Cottee is the number of strikers he has chasing a starting role.

Previously out of favour forward Scott McGleish, a target for Colchester United manager Steve Whitton before he moved for City's Barry Conlon, has bagged two goals in his last three games while Cottee can also play himself or on-loan West Ham youngster Omer Riza.

Striker Tony Richards is also available after serving a four-match suspension after being sent off in Barnet's first round FA Cup 2-1 win over non-League Hampton and Richmond.

Utility player Warren Goodhind too is available after serving a one-match ban. He is expected to come into central midfield alongside former Ipswich Town player Stuart Niven.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, January 12, 2001