A full seven-day rest for the first time in three weeks has allowed White, and the boys, time to reflect on a largely positive performance against Solihull at Meadowbank last Saturday, “two points dropped” was the general consensus from both the manager and Niall McManus post-match, a sentiment which suitably represents the unpredictability of the National League this season.
A Wanderers onslaught in the last half an hour saw the home side take a point from 4th placed Solihull. Despite the disparity between the two clubs’ league positions, Dorking were the ones who were left frustrated at full-time. Jason Prior, who was a constant threat to The Moors rearguard, nodded home his eleventh goal of the season to keep Wanderers just two points adrift from safety in the league.
Barnet faced Eastleigh on Tuesday night in one of only two midweek National League clashes, first half goals from Dale Gorman and Gatlin O’Donkor secured Barnet’s third win in four games, keeping them above Bromley who also won in midweek.
White, speaking earlier today in his weekly update, stated: “we know we can beat anyone, we’re going there to get three points.”
“It’s one of those fixtures where league positions go out of the window. We’ve been playing against them for three years, the teams know each other well and respect each other a lot.”
Despite being in 2nd place, Barnet can be unstuck – as their form in 2024 proves. Dean Brennan’s men have lost seven of their sixteen games in all competitions since the turn of the year.
Team News
Despite taking considerable knocks at the weekend, Haydn Hollis and Bobby-Joe Taylor are fit for our trip to Barnet. However, Barry Fuller and Dan Pybus are doubtful with minor knocks.
Matt Briggs (hamstring), Dan Gallagher (hernia) and James McShane (ACL) all remain unavailable.
Opposition Focus – The Bees
Now in their sixth season in the fifth tier, following their relegation from the EFL in 2018, Barnet are on course for a second successive play-off place finish. Boreham Wood defeated The Bees in the quarter finals of last seasons play-offs, but Dean Brennan has steadily managed a side who now stand as one of the most impressive outfits in the division.
Earlier today, White described the work Dean Brennan has done at The Hive as “exceptional”, before stating he is expecting a “hard-working” team on Saturday.
With an attacking return only bettered by Chesterfield, Altrincham and Gateshead, The Bees’ prowess in front of goal has seen them record the second most wins in the league, with run-away Spireties the only side to have recorded more victories this campaign.
Gorman, Nicke Kabamba and Daniele Collinge all returned to Barnet’s starting XI in midweek following long-term injuries, Dean Brennan said he was “delighted to have them back” after his sides victory. The returning trio, comprised of an attacker, midfielder and defender, add some real quality to The Bees squad.
Despite an injury which kept him out of The Bees side for around a month, Kabamba is Barnet’s top scorer this campaign with 19 goals in 34 appearances.
Last Time We Met
A Bobby-Joe Taylor goal gave us the win in our last visit to Barnet in September 2022, ending a three game losing streak for Wanderers.
Collinge and Kabamba both saw fantastic opportunities go begging inside the opening ten minutes, with some Dan Lincoln heroics keeping the scoreline goalless. Bobby-Joe opened his account for the campaign on the half hour mark when his cross sailed its way into the Barnet net.
A resolute Wanderers performance closed out a big win for White’s men, ending Barnet’s 100% home record.