‘It's a real concern’ – Jeff Stelling, Gavan Holohan and Hartlepool United fans react to coronavirus postponement at Barnet

On the eve of the match, it was confirmed that a Barnet player had tested positive for coronavirus and members of their squad would have to self-isolate until they returned a negative test result.

Pools went into the game top of the National League table following an unbeaten start to the new National League season.

They return to the North East empty-handed but with their unbeaten record still intact as they now face the prospect of making the long journey again on a Tuesday night.

Here's how players and fans reacted to the disappointing news…

Pools’ resident Twitter guru Gavan Holohan posted: “Worthwhile trek down to London like, ate some chicken and pasta and watched Gogglebox in bed. Can see this being a common theme throughout the season #BackOnTheBus #WeGoAgain”

Club President Jeff Stelling reminded everyone of the significant cost of the wasted trip as he tweeted: “Game after game. With the costs involved, it is a real concern as to how long the season can go on. But no one wants it to be called off yet, so we have to grin and bear it. By the way, they came off the back of a win so no ulterior motive.”

Meanwhile, Hartlepool fan Dan Patton joked: “BREAKING NEWS: Barnet are scared to play Hartlepool United.”

Jack Ashman was quick to express his disappointment as he said: “Joke that really, club would have paid for travel etc. Busy fixture list as it is, yet all the other leagues are playing with positive tests.”

Luke Marsh expressed his frustration: “Absolutely pathetic. 23:15 the night before the game after the squad have travelled down.”

The North West Corner account offered a pragmatic viewpoint: “Suppose it’s better to miss one game rather have than have played the game and a few of our lads get it and have to miss two weeks.”

Many Pools fans like Kate Simons had already paid £10 for the live stream which will no longer take place. She tweeted: “Quick and speedy recovery to those affected. Quick question, I’ve paid for the stream for the match, what’s going to happen in regards to that?”

It is likely Barnet will either reimburse those who have already paid for the stream or allow fans to carry it over for when the game does go ahead.

Michael Spindloe commented: “Hope they reimburse us for the wasted journey.”

And after Pools played on following Luke Molyneux’s positive case, the postponement left some fans puzzled as @gxbriel123 tweeted: “We’ve played our first four games without arguably our best player not starting due to covid, why are they allowed to postpone due do one of there’s testing positive?”

John Turner questioned: “Might sound bad but if it’s one player that hasn't been in contact with the team, surely the game has to go on? The first three games we were missing a key player because of Covid.”

Last season, Barnet jumped into the play-offs on the points per game format as they had several matches in hand following postponed home matches.

This led David Tyers to joke: “Barnet plotting their way to the playoffs early this season!”

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