When the draw for the FA Cup third round was made there’s little doubt there was a tinge of disappointment for Barnet fans. Hoping for Manchester United or Arsenal to visit the Hive the Bees were handed a 320 mile round trip to the steel city of Sheffield. But it’s a new ground and a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the city where the Full Monty was set and sit in one of the oldest sports stadia in the country. Bramall Lane was first opened in 1855 as a cricket ground Sheffield United moving in 34 years later. For Barnet boss Darren Currie it’s also a chance to meet up with his uncle Tony who is a Blades legend who made 375 appearances for the club and still works as it’s Community Co-ordinator.

Eighty three places separate the two teams in footballs league structure, the Blades have their eyes on a place back in the top flight sitting in third place in the Championship. Under the guidance of former Oxford boss Chris Wilder they are on a good run having won the last three games only conceding once in the process. Sheffield United have a proud FA Cup history although most of it dates back over a century winning the competition four times before 1925. Their best recent run come in 2014 when they reached the semi finals.

The Bees will be cheered on by five coaches of travelling fans who will be hoping for an upset which will take Barnet into the fourth round for the third time. It’s hoped skipper Callum Reynolds has recovered from the knock that forced him off in the second half of Tuesdays draw with Boreham Wood as Darren Currie looks to name an unchanged line-up for the third match.

There will be full live match commentary from Pete Hill & Garry Lakin in an HRB FA Cup Special starting at 1:45pm on Sunday.

Sheffield Fact: Liquorice Allsorts have been manufactured in Sheffield for over 100 years.

National League

BARNET 1 Boreham Wood 1

Darren Currie came within six minutes of his first home win as Barnet boss on a frustrating afternoon at the Hive. After a cagey first half which had seen Barnet provide plenty of pretty approach play the visitors had the only notable chance when Marc Cousins saved well from Ricky Shakes strike. The home side though were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Dan Sweeney was wrestled to the ground by Jamal Fyfield. Barnet were forced to reorganise after the break skipper Callum Reynolds taking a heavy fall in the box to be replaced by Simeon Akinola. Ephron Mason- Clark gave the Bees the lead after 68 minutes with a thunderbolt from outside the area, Jack Taylor coming close to adding number two when Wood keeper Ryan Huddard turned his goal bound effort over the top. Six minutes from time the visitors were level Akinola gave the ball away before bringing down Sorber Thomas in the box allowing Bradley Ash to equalise from the spot.

Bees: Cousins, Alexander, Johnson, Reynolds (Akinola), Elito, Robson, Sweeney, Mason-Clark (Harrison), Coulthirst, Adams, J.Taylor

Attendance: 2087

HRB Man of the Match: Dan Sweeney

League Position: 14th

Bostik League Premier

WINGATE & FINCHLEY 0 Haringey Borough 4

The Blues were no match for the league leaders who confirmed their place at the top of the table. Raking Richards gave the visitors a half time lead before two goals in six second half minutes from Anthony McDonald and Scott Durojayie effectively put the contest beyond Wingate’s reach. Mark Kirby completed the scoring after the home side had Lane Eadie red carded.

Attendance: 266

League Position: 18th

Evo Stik League Premier South

HENDON 0 Chesham United 1

A last minute goal from Bradley Clayton condemned Hendon to their sixth straight defeat at Silver Jubilee Park.

Attendance: 303

League Position: 8th

In accordance with the best of traditions HRB Sport is on air less than 15 hours into the New Year to bring you the best coverage of local sport.

What better way to start 2019 than a mouthwatering local derby. Barnet and Boreham Wood met just 6 days ago in a closely fought contest that ended in a Bradley Ash winner 2 minutes from time.

Since then fortunes have reversed with Barnet winning at Dagenham & Redbridge in Darren Currie’ s first match as coach while Wood lost to Maidstone United.

Garry Lakin and Pete Hill are live at the Hive as the local rivals aim to begin 2019 with 3 points. Reports and full second half commentary on this key mid table battle.

Also on the menu are 2 other important local matchest.

Wingate & Finchley had a tough start to the current season and face high fliers Haringey Borough; while Hendon have struggled recently after a strong early run and welcome Chesham United.

Mel Beresford is back at the helm to guide you through the first 90 minutes action and all the talking points.

Wishing all our teams a successful 2019

A year which started with the Bees in 23rd place in League Two, saw them end 13th in the National League and on to their fifth Manager in 12 months. The appointment of Darren Currie as temporary Head Coach already seems to have galvanised the team and fans alike. On the pitch Saturday’s 1-0 win at in form Dagenham & Redbridge was achieved with the best performance for quite some time, while off the pitch there is an air of quiet optimism. Today Barnet’s new boss faces his first home match in charge as near neighbours Boreham Wood head down the A1 for the ‘ Get Out of My Pub ‘ derby. The Boxing Day meeting between the two turned into a ‘right old dust up’ as Danny Dyer would say. Nine bookings shirts ripped off backs and a match distinctly lacking in any great footballing skills. The Wood’s last minute winner serving to add more spice to this afternoons re-match.

With Simeon Akinola and Mauro Vilhete edging their way back to full fitness it will be interesting to see if either or both are involved this afternoon. It will be a welcome back for Bees old boys David Stephens and Tom Champion while Callum Reynolds will face the club where he spent four frustrating years. Boreham Wood’s away form has seen them win just twice on the road so far. They will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat by Maidstone at the weekend.

Having games in hand on all their rivals the Bees still have a chance of squeezing into the play off picture but they will have to take the opportunity of three points today before they set off on an FA Cup and FA Trophy double.

As always we’ll have live commentary from Pete Hill & Garry Lakin at The Hive in an HRB New Year Sports Special from 2:30. COY🐝 ⚽️⚽️⚽️

Boreham Wood Fact: Famous for being the home to Eastenders nearby Elstree Studios was responsible for producing such blockbusters as Star Wars, The Shining, 2001 a Space Odyssey, Superman IV and Mutiny On The Buses