History

The original Barnet FC (previously Woodville FC 1882-85 and then New Barnet FC 1885-88) played at Woodville Road and the Victoria Recreation Ground before moving to Queens Road in the town in 1889. The original club dissolved in 1901 due to mounting debts, leaving the town with two teams; Barnet Avenue (formed in 1890) and Alston Works (formed just weeks before Barnet FC were dissolved in 1901).

Barnet Avenue took over the original site at Queens Road with Barnet Alston playing at Underhill Farm before moving to Totteridge Lane and then finally to Underhill in 1907/08.
In 1912, the two clubs merged to become Barnet and Alston AFC with their home at Underhill. After the end of the First World War, they renamed themselves Barnet FC.

Underhill is an archetypal non-league ground that time forgot. Upon promotion to the Football League in 1991, the club constructed a small Family Stand beside the Main Stand, which runs about half the length of the pitch. The only other seated area is at the bottom end of the ground, with an uncovered temporary structure replacing the old South Terrace.

Recent works have made a number of changes to the surroundings, with the club taking over the Pavillion Bar (owned by the neighbouring cricket club), which is being done up at the moment. This, and the old Durham Suite clubhouse, remain home only areas.

General Ground Information

Underhill has a hotpotch of terraced and seated areas offering a wide choice of accommodation to home supporters. The main stand built in 1964 offers good elevated views of the game with only a few restricted views. There is seating for 900 supporters with access via turnstiles at Barnet Lane.

To the right of the Main Stand is the all-seater Family Stand. Opposite is the popular covered East Terrace which is split 50:50 between home and away supporters. The ground has changed its segregation policy this season with away supporters now being given the North East Terrace. As a result, this is where the most vocal home supporters congregate in a bid to out-shout the visitors. This stand is covered and access is via the Westcombe Drive Turnstiles.

Other than that, there are a few small areas, which are open to the elements. Unfortunately this includes the disabled section, at the top end of the ground. However, plans are in the pipeline to provide a roof over this section.

Of course what everyone remembers about Underhill is the famous slope, which is over 8ft end to end. Though much derided, this does ensure that the pitch drains well and as a result postponements are very rare. Arguably, every ground should have a slope.