Buildbase National Game Awards 2019: Acerbis Cup Run of the Year – Barnet

Barnet‘s incredible FA Cup run which saw them knock out Premier League-bound Sheffield United has been recognised at The National Game Awards in association with Buildbase.
Manager Darren Currie and captain Callum Reynolds accepted the Acerbis Cup Run award as the Bees came through qualifying to make it to a fourth-round replay at Championship side Brentford.
Currie’s side dispatched Bristol Rovers and Stockport County in the opening rounds before setting up a third-round trip to Bramall Lane.
A Shaquile Coulthirst penalty was enough to earn a 1-0 victory and a fourth-round face-off against Brentford that was dubbed ‘The Battle of the Bees’.
An incredible 3-3 draw at The Hive set up a mouthwatering trip to Griffin Park, but it proved to be the end of the road as the Championship outfit earned a 3-1 victory.
“I think we underachieved in the league campaign in terms of the group of players that we have got but the cup run we went on was outstanding,” said Barnet boss Currie.
“I only took over halfway through the season and I brought a big change in style and how we were approaching games, so the boys did excellent.
“The games against Brentford and the trip to Sheffield United were the highlights and the boys deserve a lot of credit for how they performed in those three games – I thought they were outstanding.
“They have shown me enough to know that if I can add a few to the group in the right way this summer we will have every chance of getting promoted.”

One man who savoured every minute of the cup run was club captain Reynolds – and he was instrumental in leading his side to their first fourth-round spot since 2007-08.
“It was amazing but it was just another game at the end of the day that we wanted to win,” said the 29-year-old.
“We went into it without any pressure on us and we performed to a very high level against Brentford.
“We also beat a team that are going to be in the Premier League next season so that is just amazing in itself.
“It was strange being out on the pitch against sides like that, but when you think about these FA Cup games it is that ‘the belief grows the longer the game goes on’ mentality and that was very true of the Sheffield United game.
“Then against Brentford, to draw 3-3 and to be undone by a harsh penalty decision, and take them to a replay at their ground – we gave a good account of ourselves.”
Despite their incredible performance in the oldest football competition in the world, Currie’s team were only able to manage 13th in the National League, something he aims to improve on next year.
“I’d like to be stood here again next season with Callum being the player of the year and myself receiving an award for a promotion campaign!” smiled Currie.
“Congratulations to Justin (Edinburgh) and Leyton Orient on getting promoted.
“It is nice to get rewarded for your efforts and let’s hope that we can come back next year to celebrate again.”