A David McGoldrick header four minutes before half-time sees the Blues go in 1-0 up against Barnet at the break. Earlier, keeper Scott Loach had saved Mark Byrne’s penalty.

Trialist Titus Bramble was again included in the Town squad, the ex-Blue taking a place on the bench. Also with the Blues squad was ex-Wolves defender Christophe Berra, who is in discussions regarding a move to Portman Road, although we understand a deal is not yet done.

There was no place in the travelling party for another of the recent trialists, Tottenham’s Bongani Khumalo, while keeper Dean Gerken missed out with a minor groin injury and winger Paul Anderson with a hamstring problem, but neither is considered a concern for the game at Colchester on Tuesday.

Left-back Aaron Cresswell was back after a thigh problem, while Barnet manager Edgar Davids started for the home side.

Barnet striker Harry Crawford struck the game’s first serious effort in the 14th minute from the edge of the box but Cole Skuse got his head in the way. A minute later, Curtis Weston forced Loach into a block down to his right.

On 19 Murphy hit a shot on the spin from 20 yards which Barnet keeper Graham Stack pushed over the bar.

Jay Tabb and Cresswell combined well on 22 with the left-back sending in a cross which Weston just took away from Hammond. From the corner, Smith headed straight at Barnet keeper Graham Stack.

The home side were handed a golden chance to go in front on the half hour when Keanu Marsh crossed from the right and Luke Chambers felled Crawford as they went for the ball. Mark Byrne took the spotkick but Loach got down to his right to save.

Town went in front in the 41st minute when David McGoldrick flicked home an Aaron Cresswell freekick from deep on the left. It was the former Forest man’s third goal in pre-season.

The striker almost had a second shortly before the end of the half when he headed Kyle Hammond’s corner into Stack’s arms.

Prior to the goal Barnet had had the better of the chances, although the Blues had had most of the ball.

Town: Loach, Hewitt, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell, Hammond, Skuse, Wordsworth, Tabb, Murphy, McGoldrick. Subs: Crowe, Veseli, Bramble, Mings, October, Lawrence, Hyam, Berkane, Carson, Chopra. Nouble.

Photo: Action Images

Jimmys_Law added 16:13 - Jul 20 Well it's good to see McGoldrick score again, even if it's a bit worrying that Barnet had had the best chances.
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runningout added 16:13 - Jul 20 Shoddy defending from Chambers..
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TrueBlue93 added 16:16 - Jul 20 Oooooo David mcgoldrick!
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Jimmys_Law added 17:32 - Jul 20 The game ended 1-0. Lots of substitutions in the second half and Chopra was the only sub apart from the keeper (Crowe) who didn't come on. That speaks for itself I think.
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M4rkyboy1 added 17:40 - Jul 20 Remember people, the result doesn't matter, and the performance isn't going to be our best. It's all about fitness for the season ahead. Big Mick knows what he's doing.
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