Conference round-up: April 9

Last updated : 10 April 2005 By Al Woodcock
The Bees of Barnet have buzzed back into the Football League after a four-year absence.

Underhill was rocking and rolling yesterday as Paul Fairclough's runaway leaders sealed the championship in front of 3,924 ecstatic fans with a 3-1 defeat of Halifax Town.

Lewis Killeen put the Shaymen in front after 11 minutes but Barnet drew level when Ben Strevens scored on 35. Simon King put the Bees 2-1 up three minutes into the second half and Halifax's hopes nosedived when substitute John Grant was sent off eight minutes after coming on to the field. Giuliano Grazioli rounded things off 13 minutes from time to seal the title triumph.

Barnet knew just a point would be enough but as second-placed Carlisle collapsed 1-0 at home to lowly Forest Green Rovers, even a defeat would have handed them the trophy. The Cumbrians' seven-game unbeaten run ended in miserable defeat to the team who are currently third from bottom. Ex-United defender Damon Searle grabbed the only goal 18 minutes into the second half but Carlisle managed to maintain second place on goal difference.

Hereford are snapping at their heels after disposing of York, who visit Brunton Park on Tuesday night. A Robert Purdie penalty in the 3rd minute set things off on the right note and a Stuart Smith own goal sealed the points close to half-time.

Aldershot moved into third and virtually extinguished Crawley's remaining playoff chances with a 1-0 win at the Recreation Ground. 3,105 saw a Darren Barnard goal make all the difference with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Accrington moved back into strong contention after they demolished Stevenage Borough 4-1 at home. Paul Mullin, Lee McEvilly, David Brown and Steve Jagielka claimed the goals for Stanley, with Barry Laker pulling one back late on for Borough, who fell behind Accrington in the table as a result.

Morecambe are now favourites to steal a play-off place after continuing their recent improvement with a hard-fought 2-1 win at mid-table Gravesend. Wayne Curtis and Darren Kempson had them two up within 23 minutes. 16 minutes later Lee Protheroe did get one back for the home team but Morecambe clung on to claim a crucial victory.

Woking recovered some composure after three straight defeats to defeat relegated Leigh RMI 3-0 in front of just 215 spectators at Hilton Park. Rafeal Nade scored twice and Justin Richards was also on target to move the Cards back into the play-off picture, just two points behind fifth-placed Halifax.

But while Woking's chances improved, Exeter's suffered a major blow when they crashed 3-2 at home to battling Northwich, who are looking safer and safer at the bottom end after being in desperate trouble at Christmas with a 10-point penalty tagged on for going into administration. Jonny Allan, Paul Brayson and an Andy Taylor own goal all in the first half put Vics 3-1 in front, after Sean Devine had replied for the Grecians. Steve Flack struck again in the last minutes but it was too late. Northwich moved above Canvey Island and are still four points above Forest Green.

Scarborough completed an unbeaten season at home when they thrashed doomed Farnborough 4-0. 36-year-old veteran David Reeves got a hat-trick. Scott Kerr added the other. The Seadogs will be celebrating the only unbeaten home record in the Conference but commiserating over their failure to win 12 of their home games which has ultimately cost them any chance of reaching the play-offs.

HOW THEY STAND
Barnet392667884084
Carlisle3818128663466
Hereford3819910633966
Aldershot 3919911614866
Halifax3918912695163
Accrington3918912685363
Morecambe3817129624863