Lowe's delight after historic Hive strike

SCORING the first goal at The Hive will live long in the memory for Jamal Lowe.

Lowe made history by becoming the first footballer to find the net at Barnet's new home (pictured) in an inter-club friendly at the weekend.

It was the first opportunity for Barnet fans to watch a game at The Hive following the club's relocation from Underhill in April after 108 years at the iconic ground.

Teenager Lowe saw his first-team opportunities restricted last season and hopes his historic strike in Saturday's 1-1 draw will be the first of many in 2013-14.

The 19-year-old striker said: “The groundsmen have clearly worked hard to make the pitch as great as it was.

“I saw myself scoring the first goal, but when I had a chance early and Harry [Crawford] took the penalty, I thought my opportunity was gone.

“It was a wonderful feeling scoring the first goal at The Hive. I’m pleased to have scored, and hopefully there’s many more to come. It was a great day that will be forever in my memory.”

While there was an air of excitement from supporters, the first half proved to be a timid affair.

That was until the last minute of the half when the lively Marciano Mengerink won a penalty for.

Striker Harry Crawford stepped up to take the penalty, but it was superbly turned away and gathered by Graham Stack.

In contrast to the first half, the second period proved far more exciting, with both teams adding style, substance and attacking panache to their intricate build-up play.

Trialist Stefan Payne had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring but his low effort cannoned off the inside of the post.

He regained the ball shortly after, but was denied by a smart save by Sam Cowler.

Moments later, Payne’s young teammate, striker George Sykes, had a goal ruled out for offside.

Instead, his fellow youth-team graduate Lowe bagegd the opener with a low finish beyond the reach of Cowler.

With the end of the game approaching, an equaliser was found.

Zach Khlaf, a central midfielder in the Bees youth-team, slammed the ball home on the half-volley after a cross by Mengerink was not dealt with.

The day proved to be an enjoyable one for the Barnet fans who had the chance to sample their new stadium for the first time.

Sam Emmett said of the day: “The Hive has come along nicely, with the pitch being in a fabulous condition. We also had a comprehensive and extraordinary view from where I was sitting in the West Stand.”

Long-time fan, Peter Speroni, added: “Excellent what has been done, with a great view. The West Stand was well designed, as it had good legroom and a clear view over the person in front.”

BARNET ‘HOME’: Stack, Abrahams, Stephens, Davids, Johnson, Weston, Vose, Lobjoit, Lowe, Payne, Sykes.

BARNET ‘AWAY’: Cowler, Vilhete, Saville, Acheampong, Brown, Crawford, Beautyman, Byrne, Gambin, Marsh-Brown, Marciano.