Gary Johnson admits Cheltenham dropped two points at home to Barnet

Posted Sunday, January 28, 2018 by PA

Cheltenham manager Gary Johnson said that Mohamed Eisa could be a big money sale after scoring the equaliser during his sides 1-1 draw with Barnet.

Mohamed Eisa rescued a point for Cheltenham Town as they came from behind to take a 1-1 draw against struggling Barnet.

The 23-year-old who signed from non-league Greenwich Borough in the summer netted his 14th goal of the season in the 65th minute from close-range.

Relegation threatened Barnet looked on course for their first win in seven when Ricardo Santos fired home from a Ryan Watson corner to take a second minute lead.

Two changes at half-time saw Cheltenham come back into the tie and Eisa fired home the equaliser on 65 minutes after the visitors failed to clear a Kevin Dawson cross.

“From where we were at 1-0 down, because we didn’t start well, it was a point gained,” said Johnson.

“It was two points lost from where we wanted to be at the start of the game. We didn’t start well and to be fair to them they have got some quick lads in there team and we couldn’t clear our lines which I had to address at half-time and make sure we got into their end to give us a chance.

“We scored a good goal and was unfortunate a couple of times and chances that rolled past the post.

“I know they’re bottom of the league, but the new manager has come in and they can make it frustrating for you.

“He’s going to be a good player Mohamed (Eisa) and like all young lads they need to see it, feel it and be a part of it.

“He’s not quite there yet and trusts us to get him there then we will sell him for what he’s worth.”

Barnet manager Graham Westley was pleased with a point.

“Over the 90 minutes I am pleased to come away from home and earn a point which takes us a step closer to the points total we know we are going to need,” he said.

“Every point that you earn needs to be won and winning is an art.

“The lads put in the work ethic desire and hunger despite us not looking at our best with the ball today but they put in the gritty side of the game to come away with the point.

“It was nice to score from a set-play as it’s always positive to see a side that can use them to their advantage.

“We are disappointed with the way we played when we had the ball but delighted with the desire and organisation to keep our sheet relatively clean.

“We’ve got ourselves organised in an attacking and defensive sense around set plays because you have to. We have tried to build a game so that people can look at Barnet and there is an identity to the way we play based on the strength around the camp.”