With all grassroots football on hold at present, Hospital Radio Barnet is proud to announce that our weekly digest of local, national and international sport will continue every Saturday.

This is a vital service to patients and staff in Barnet Hospital, and the volunteer team at HRB is dedicated to playing its part to inform and entertain those confined to or working at the Hospital at this time.

In particular, our presenter Mel Beresford will be spreading his coverage beyond the local scene to places previously unknown where sport is actually taking place. Our teams will remain the focus of the programme and in the absence of live sport our local representatives will provide comment and analysis on current developments.

If you know anyone in hospital, either as a patient, member of staff or visitor, do tell them of our continuing service.

Every Saturday afternoon starting at 2.30

HRB Sport – serving the community through the year and particularly at times of great need.

We live in unprecedented times, as the world comes to terms with the coronavirus pandemic and sport responds to the primary concern of keeping our communities protected. With the mass cancellation of large scale sporting events, one benefit likely to be seen this weekend is the raised status of local sport as the public and media organisations go in search of action.

However, decisions are being taken all the time, and situations may change.

As things stand this weekend,  HRB will be presenting Saturday Sport, as usual, featuring scores and reports from matches still on, and the week’s talking points in the world of sport and beyond.

Although most National League games are scheduled to go ahead, Barnet’s game against Yeovil has been postponed as four members of the Hive staff are showing symptoms of Covid-19 and are self-isolating.

Likewise Boreham Wood has called off their home match with Torquay as the club shares facilities with Arsenal, whose manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the virus.

The Isthmian League has decided to cancel this weekend’s fixtures and those scheduled to be played the coming midweek.

The Southern League has gone one step further, postponing fixtures between this weekend and next inclusive.

Likewise, the Essex Senior League has postponed premier division fixtures today.

And the Spartan South Midlands League has put on hold all matches with immediate effect.

Earlier in the week, there was significant action involving our teams as Barnet gave their chances of penetrating the promotion positions a huge boost by winning 3-1 at one of their rivals, Woking. Paul McCallum and Josh Walker scored either side of half-time, and despite a late Jack Cook goal that gave the hosts hope, Walker ensured there was no slip-up with his second in injury time.

The result lifts the Bees into 10th place, only one point behind 7th with games in hand.

Wingate & Finchley were narrowly beaten by Margate with Kadell Daniel scoring the game’s only goal in the 23rd minute. This defeat coupled with Cheshunt’s win at Kingstonian on Wednesday drops the Blues into 20th place.

Saturday, March 14th

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

National League

Yeovil Town v Barnet – postponed 

Isthmian Premier

Potters Bar Town v Leatherhead  – postponed

Wingate & Finchley v Margate – postponed

Southern Premier South

Beaconsfield v Hendon – postponed 

This weekend,  Saturday Sport will feature scores and reports from around the country as most teams travel, the penultimate weekend of the Six Nations and the week’s talking points in the world of sport.

The long-delayed Christmas derby between Barnet and Boreham Wood was eventually played on Tuesday, with honours even following a see-saw match. Paul McCallum again underlined the value of his signing with a late equaliser after Barnet had struck early through Callum Reynolds shot into the top corner. The Bees led at half-time but Kane Smith and Tyrone Marsh turned the game in Wood’s favour until McCallum’s intervention.

Barnet remain 13th but only 4 points off the top 7 with Boreham Wood in 5th.

Hendon boss Lee Allinson with his team’s performance in securing a point at high-flying Taunton Town, however it could have been even better. The Greens were in control of their longest ever midweek encounter. Despite going behind midway through the first-half, an own goal brought the team level 2 minutes later. Joe White and Simeon Olarerin’s goals before the break gave the visitors a 2 goal cushion but a Matthew Wright brace gave the hosts a share of the spoils.

Hadley went out of the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy, losing 2-1 at Walthamstow. Solomon Ofori scored for the Bricks.

Saturday March 7th

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

National League

Stockport County v Barnet 

Isthmian Premier

Horsham v Potters Bar Town  – Alan

Worthing v Wingate & Finchley – Paul

Southern Premier South

Walton Casuals v Hendon – David 

In February’s game of ‘How Late?’ where match officials compete for the latest or most far-fetched match postponement, Barnet’s league game against Dagenham & Redbridge became the latest participant with the referee calling the match off shortly before kick-off. The decision drew the ire of former Bees boss Barry Fry, a guest of chairman Tony Kleanthous, who called it the worst decision ever seen leading the Bees owner to issue a lengthy explanation to fans. In it, he expressed surprise and disappointment at the referee’ s view based on the prospect of further rain rather than the pre-existing state of the pitch.

The current winner is the Barnet v Harrogate Town match which was abandoned at half-time and has been rescheduled for March 31st. A decision by the referee will be taken shortly before the FA Trophy encounter with Halesowen Town. Recent signing Paul McCallum is cup-tied but Harry Taylor is in Darren Currie’s squad and available for selection.

This weekend,  Saturday Sport will feature the Bees on the Road to Wembley with commentary from The Hive, scores, and reports from around the borough, and the week’s talking points in the world of sport as the new Formula One season begins.

Boreham Wood had better luck with conditions on Tuesday, playing on Aldershot’s all-weather surface but suffered a blow to their promotion push losing 3-2. Kane Smith gave Wood an early lead when his left-footed cross flew straight in, but the visitors failed to deal with a succession of corners allowing the Shots to score three times in 18 second-half minutes before an Adam May consolation.

Potters Bar’s home league clash against Haringey Borough was another victim of the incessant rainfall, but at the time of writing and despite several postponements already in the Isthmian Premier their visit to leaders Worthing is on together with Wingate & Finchley’s key clash with relegation rivals Lewes.

Hadley secured the result of the week with Solomon Ofori scoring a hat-trick in a 6-2 win at West Essex. Alfie Bartram, Manny Hammond and Cameron Ferguson were also on target. However, today’s clash at St. Margaretsbury has already fallen foul of the weather.

Saturday February 29th

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

FA Trophy Fourth Round

Barnet v Halesowen Town – Garry and Nick

Isthmian Premier

Potters Bar Town v Corinthian Casuals – Alan

Wingate & Finchley v Lewes- Paul

Southern Premier South

Hendon v Truro City – David 

This weekend,  weather permitting Saturday Sport will feature scores and reports from around the borough, the middle weekend of the Six Nations and the week’s talking points in the world of sport.

Dennis certainly wreaked havoc with the midweek program. Barnet’s match against Harrogate Town was abandoned at half time following heavy rain at The Hive. The visitors had started brightly, George Thomson scoring in the opening minute but new signing Paul Mccallum headed the Bees level shortly before the break when the referee decided the pitch was unplayable.

Hendon had even worse frustration making the long trip to Poole only to find the game called off shortly before kick off. Wingate & Finchley had their visit to Kingstonian postponed too.

Hadley did manage to play 90 minutes on Wednesday in a 2-1 defeat to Hashtag United. A below par first half saw the team 2-0 down at the break but an improved second half performance resulted in a Manny Hammond goal which turned out to be only a consolation.

An understrength Saracens team were thumped 60-10 by Wasps on Friday night

So far our local teams matches have passed pitch inspections

Saturday February 22nd

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

National League

Chorley v Barnet 

Isthmian Premier

Potters Bar Town v Corinthian Casuals – Alan

Folkestone Invicta v Wingate & Finchley – Paul

Southern Premier South

Salisbury v Hendon v Hayes

This weekend carries with it a Dennis warning having already seen Barnet’s game at The Hive postponed.  Assuming the HRB stretch limo can dodge the Menace and escort Mr B to the studio, Saturday Sport will feature scores and reports from around the borough, and the week’s talking points in the world of sport.

Barnet’s excellent victory over Barrow last Saturday propelled them into the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy where they have received another home draw against Halesowen Town. The visitors play in Southern Division One Central where they lie 3rd in the table, and reached this stage with a victory at FC Halifax Town.

The Bees were unable to repeat the result on Tuesday when they left empty handed from Solihull Moors despite a strong performance. Terry Hawkridge scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot but the hosts were indebted to their appropriately named goalie Ryan Boot for preserving their lead, especially when Callum Reynolds looked to have equalised in the final few minutes. The defeat was Barnet’s first since November, leaving them 5 points adrift of the promotion places with games in hand.

Despite 7 postponements so far in the National League, Boreham Wood’s visit to Aldershot has survived so far, giving them a chance to improve on their current 5th place.

Both Wingate & Finchley and Potters Bar are currently on which is good news especially for the Blues after their recent resurgence. Two league wins which lifted them off the bottom were followed by a London Senior Cup quarter final win against Corinthian Casuals in midweek. Their semi-final opponents may be Hendon who meet Balham later this month.

The Greens aim to make it a remarkable seven wins in a row against Hayes and Yeading

Hadley beat Grays Athletic 3-1 in the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy with goals from Luke Jupp, Solomon Ofori, and Manny Hammond. The team’s game today against Walthamstow has been postponed

Saracens are back in action after the Six Nations break, and having lost to Sale in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final, the teams lock horns again a week later in the Premiership. The Men in Black make 9 changes from the Cup defeat as captain Brad Barritt returns.

Saturday February 15th

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

National League

Barnet v Harrogate Town – postponed

Isthmian Premier

Carshalton Athletic v Potters Bar Town – Alan

Wingate & Finchley v Bowers & Pitsea – Paul

Southern Premier South

Hendon v Hayes and Yeading United – David

This weekend, Saturday Sport features commentary from the Hive as Barnet aim to take another step towards Wembley, with scores and reports from around the borough, updates from the Six Nations, and the week’s talking points in the world of sport.

Barnet host league leaders Barrow in the Third Round of the FA Trophy with manager Darren Currie reporting some good news on the injury front. Ricardo Santos is back training, with Alfie Pavey and Harry Taylor also close to a return. Ephron Mason-Clark has had an operation to resolve his groin problem and is expected to be available at the end of the month. Shaq Coulthirst is undergoing some different treatment and no date has been put on his recovery.

Former Barnet academy player Nana Kyei has signed a permanent deal at Potters Bar. The pacey winger previously joined the Scholars on loan in March 2019, and an impressive run in the team has led Manager Lee O’Leary to put pen to paper after the player’s recent experience at Maidstone United and Chelmsford City.

On the pitch, the team were beaten 1-0 by Hemel Hempstead in the Herts County Cup.

Wingate & Finchley weren’t involved in midweek action but defeats for Brightlingsea Regent and Cheshunt keep them within 3 and 4 points of the Blues .

Hendon have been awarded January’s team of the month having won 4 of their 5 league matches to pull away from the relegation zone. It may be a little early to be talking about promotion at SJP though!

Hadley secured a draw at Hoddesdon with goals from Solomon Ofori and Aaron Scott leaving the team 10 points behind Walthamstow in 4th.

Edgware won 2-0 at Eynesbury Rovers leapfrogging their hosts into 7th place.

Saracens could have done without another negative press announcement, so this week’s news that the team fielded an ineligible player in their Champions Cup victory against Racing 92 now casts a shadow over their involvement in the knockout stages. Titi Lamositele’s work permit expired a day before the match, for which the club has been fined 50,000 Euros. A points deduction was considered, which would have meant their removal from the competition, but the independent disciplinary committee decided that the club had not attempted to gain an advantage by fielding the player for the last 10 minutes. The French club appear to see things differently, but the Men in Black’s quarter final against Leinster in April goes ahead.

Saturday February 8th

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

FA Trophy Third Round

Barnet v Barrow – Garry and Nick

Isthmian Premier

Potters Bar Town v Hornchurch – Alan

Wingate & Finchley v East Thurrock United – Paul

Southern Premier South

Dorchester Town v Hendon 

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Edgware Town v Dunstable Town 

This weekend, Saturday Sport features commentary from the Hive as Barnet welcome Hartlepool United, with scores and reports from around the borough, updates from the Six Nations, the rugby league season openers and finals weekend at the Australian Open.

After two failed attempts, Barnet treated their fans to a winning performance in their FA Trophy replay against Farsley Celtic on Tuesday. Dan Sparkes lit up the occasion on a bitterly cold night by scoring from a free-kick early in the second half. Scorer then turned provider with three minutes to go allowing Josh Walker to seal Barnet’s progress to the Third Round where they will host Barrow on 8th February.

Darren Currie has strengthened his striking options by signing Paul McCallum on loan from Solihull Moors until the end of the season. A West Ham academy product, McCallum has represented Portsmouth, Aldershot, Orient and Eastleigh where he was instrumental in the team reaching the play offs last season scoring 27 goals in all competitions. Barnet have the option to make the deal permanent after the current campaign.

Boreham Wood have also reinforced their team through a well-known loan signing. Former keeper Grant Smith returns from Lincoln City having spent two seasons at Meadow Park culminating in the Play Off Final defeat to Tranmere.

Barnet and Boreham Wood’s postponed league clash will now take place on Tuesday March 3rd.

Potters Bar have announced a couple of signings. Striker Marvin Morgan has resigned from Hornchurch after a wealth of experience in League Two, and being well known in the area following stints at Hendon and Wingate & Finchley. 15 years his junior, Charlie Barker has joined from Braintree Town after starting his career at Orient.

Wingate & Finchley have confirmed the departure of Kenyan Under 23 International Henry Ochieng. The midfielder moves back into pro football with League of Ireland Premier Division Cork City. The Blues’ challenge to escape the foot of the table became tougher in midweek with rivals Brightlingsea Regent and Corinthian Casuals picking up points.

Hendon loan goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has had his monthly deal extended by Barnet. Three clean sheets in the last four matches have contributed significantly to the club’s winning run and resulted in the stopper being awarded Player of the Month for January.

Saturday February 1st

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

National League

Barnet v Hartlepool United – Garry and Nick

AFC Fylde v Boreham Wood

Isthmian Premier

Brightlingsea Regent v Potters Bar Town – Alan

Bishop’s Stortford v Wingate & Finchley – Paul

Southern Premier South

Hendon v Yate Town – David

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Wembley v Edgware Town 

This weekend, Saturday Sport features commentary from Barnet’s visit to Bromley with scores and reports from around the borough, a preview of the Six Nations, the final Test in Joburg and the middle weekend of the Australian Open.

A 3G pitch in south London should ensure Barnet play their first game in a fortnight following three successive postponements. A frozen goalmouth led to a last minute decision to call off Tuesday’s Trophy replay against Farsley Celtic. A third attempt will be made on Tuesday 28th January when new signing Alexander McBurnie could make his home debut. The midfielder came through the Bradford Academy but has played most of his football abroad.

Hendon, who’ve won their last 3 league games and whose improvement in results has coincided with the arrival of Simeon Olalerin from Staines Town, have signed a contract with the 18 year old until the end of next season.

Hadley have reached the semi-finals of the Errington Challenge Cup after dismantling Ilford on Wednesday. Solomon Ofori, with a hat-trick, and Yemi Buraimoh were the scorers in a 4-1 victory.

Saturday January 25th

2.30 – 6.30

Presenter: Mel

National League

Bromley v  Barnet

Nick

Boreham Wood v Barrow

Isthmian Premier

Potters Bar Town v Bognor Regis Town

Alan

Wingate & Finchley v Brightlingsea Regent

Paul

Southern Premier South

Wimborne Town v Hendon 

David

Essex Senior League

Stansted v Hadley

Bob

Spartan South Midlands Premier

Edgware Town v Baldock Town