Read the Comet’s player ratings from the League Two match at The Lamex between Stevenage and Barnet

Stevenage

Chris Day, 7: Calmness personified as ever. Steady and unflappable. The ultimate professional.

Luke Wilkinson, 7.5: A solid addition to the team and dovetailed well with centre half partner Franks – and fellow former Hatter – in what was a testing game for the Boro defence.

Fraser Franks, 7.5: Won the majority of his aerial duels with the Bees frontmen, which considering they have a propensity to play it long was no mean feat. Brave and consistent.

Offrande Zanzala, 7.5: The loan signing from Derby looked keen to impress and was full of energy, industriousness and running. Good to see his unbridled physical commitment which was never malicious. Deserved his warm ovation on being subbed with 25 minutes remaining. Teddy Sheringham told me afterwards during his post-match press conference that he has been very impressed by this teenager. This lad who fled civil war in Congo is a very talented player with a big heart – who has a big future in football.

Aaron O’Connor, 7: Desperately unlucky not to score early on as he showed bravery in challenging the onrushing Barnet keeper Stephens – as he and every Boro supporter held their breath watching the ball trickle agonisingly wide.

Tom Pett, 7: Was involved in an absorbing duel against Barnet left back Johnson which effectively cancelled the pair out at times. Faded in the second half but showed whole-hearted commitment as ever – along with no little guile, cunning and trickery.

Michael Tonge, 7: The experienced midfielder has an exemplary attitude and was his usual efficient self. Unsung defensive shield who always provides a platform for more creative players to express themselves – but equally he proved to be an attacking threat with free-kicks, corners and the occasional shot.

Charlie Lee, 7: Busy player who always give his all. Enjoyable to see a player who absolutely relishes challenges. Tough and tenacious battler who is also fair. Well-deserved ovation on being subbed was testament to the fact he ran his heart out. Every team needs a Charlie Lee.

Ronnie Henry (c), 7: Led by example as he gave his all to the cause. Good to hear him offering vocal encouragement to less experienced teammates as well as guidance.

Keith Keane, 7: Performed effectively in tandem with partner Tonge in a defensive midfield shield. Threw himself into blocks and tackles he had no right to win.

Connor Ogilvie, 6.5: The game passed the talented youngster by somewhat – but he will be better for the experience of sampling what it’s like to play against tough men in the no nonsense football league rather than for Spurs’ gilded youngsters.

Subs

Dipo Akinyemi, 6.5: On for the lively Zanzala.

Deimantas Petravicius, the loan signing from Nottingham Forest made his debut for Pett on 90 minutes.

Tom Conlon on for Charlie Lee with little of the game remaining.

Barnet

Jamie Stephens, 6.5: Looked confident in the air and always looked to distribute positively – if not always efficiently.

Gavin Hoyte, 6.5: The former Arsenal player showed his undoubted class. Equipped with pace to burn – as befits the son of a former Great Britain athlete. Replaced by another Gunners’ alumni, Mark Randall after picking up a knock late in the first half.

Elliot Johnson, 7: Involved in a good battle with Pett. The Boro man’s cunning will linger in his memory even if he more than held his own in the duel.

Bira Dembele, 7: Physical centre half who was not afraid to play it long when required. Good technique allied with positional awareness, even if he would have benefitted with a fraction more pace in his armoury.

Bondz N’Gala, 7: Another physical presence at centre back for Barnet. Brave and comitted, but knew he had been in a game as he was severely tested at times.

Curtis Weston (c), 7: The youngest player ever to play in the FA Cup final – now managed by the cousin of the previous record holder – showed his undoubted talent in an industrious display.

Luke Gambin, 7: The speedy left-footed wideman always looked to get involved but was often thwarted by the wily Henry, rendering his foray’s down the flank as largely fruitless.

Sam Togwell, 7: Powerful in the air but had his afternoon ended prematurely after injury. Deserved his ovation from both sets of fans for the commitment he showed in the half an hour he played.

Tom Champion, 6.5: Kept his shape well but spent a considerable amount of time looking at the ball fly over his head before eventually being replaced with 25 minutes left. Booked to complete a forgettable afternoon.

Shaun Batt, 6.5: Physically powerful, strong in the air, with a good technique and pace – which is a dangerous combination to have in your locker. However the sum of his parts did not add up today for him – despite his best efforts.

Shaun Hackett, 6.5: Interesting to watch Barnet boss Martin Allen tell the lad to show a tad more composure and calmness in the heat of the battle. Another visitor who could have been more effective in the attacking third. Unfortunately he failed to heed the good advice from his boss early in the second half as he fired over the bar when well placed. Booked.

Subs

Mark Randall, 6: The former Arsenal player came on for another player who was a Gunners youngster in Hoyte. Undoubted pedigree as befits someone who played for the North London giants.

Alie Sesay, 6: Another former Arsenal academy lad who came on for the unfortunate Togell on the half hour. Struggled to make an impact in a physical game punctuated by stoppages and injuries.

Harry Taylor, 6: On for the quiet Champion.

Referee

Iain Williamson

Attendance: 3801 (943 away)