MATCH PREVIEW | WALSALL

The Bees are back at The Hive Stadium this Saturday (3pm) as they host Walsall in the EFL Sky Bet League 2.

Barnet:

Barnet fell to a 2-0 defeat at Hayes Lane in their last meeting with Bromley, despite dominating large spells of possession and creating several clear-cut chances.

The Bees started strongly, with Ryan Glover delivering an early dangerous cross and Idris Kanu forcing a fingertip save from Bromley goalkeeper Grant Smith.

Joe Hugill also looked lively, nearly setting up a goal after a bursting run down the right.

Barnet’s new keeper Cieran Slicker, making his debut, showed early composure with a confident claim under pressure and a key save early in the second half.

Defensively, Nik Tavares stood out with two vital last-ditch tackles to keep Barnet in the contest, including one to deny Corey Whitely inside the box.

However, Bromley broke the deadlock just before half-time, as Michael Cheek pounced on a loose ball in the area to fire home.

Barnet continued to push in the second half, with promising build-up play down the flanks and a good opportunity for Hugill to equalise, but his shot found the side netting.

Ollie Hawkins also came close with a header from a late corner that clipped the woodwork.

Despite the Bees’ pressure, it was Bromley who had the final say.

In the dying moments, former Barnet striker Nicke Kabamba broke free and slotted past Slicker to secure the win for the home side.

Barnet’s last five results:

Bromley 2-0 Barnet FC

Barnet FC 0-2 Fleetwood Town

Barnet FC 2-2 Newport County (Carabao Cup, Newport win 4-2 on penalties)

Barnet FC 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers (Pre-Season Fixture)

Barnet FC 2-0 Leyton Orient (Pre-Season Fixture)

From the dugout:

Connor Smith’s pre-match interview can be viewed HERE!

Walsall:

Walsall were narrowly beaten by Stoke City on Tuesday night, losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a hard-fought 0-0 draw in normal time.

The Saddlers started brightly but had to rely on goalkeeper Sam Hornby early on, who made a diving save to deny Jamie Donley in the opening ten minutes.

Stoke continued to threaten, but Walsall defended well, with Ronan Maher making a crucial block and tackle inside the box.

Josh Gordon came close for Walsall in the 22nd minute, firing into the side netting from a tight angle.

Chances were limited for both sides for the rest of the half, with the score level at the break.

Stoke nearly took the lead just after the restart, as Donley struck the crossbar from distance.

Walsall pushed forward in the closing stages, with Aden Flint heading narrowly wide and Jonny Stuttle coming close twice in stoppage time, first with a shot saved after pouncing on a loose ball, then hitting the side netting from a crowded corner.

With neither side able to break the deadlock in 90 minutes, the match went to penalties.

Stoke converted four of their five spot-kicks, while Walsall missed twice, sending the Championship side through to the next round.

Walsall’s last five results:

Stoke City 0-0 Walsall (Stoke won 4-3 on penalties)

Gillingham 1-0 Walsall

Walsall 2-1 Swindon

Walsall 2-3 Derby County (Pre-Season Friendly)

Forest Green Rovers 0-3 Walsall (Pre-Season Friendly)

In the opposition dugout:

Walsall manager Mat Sadler will be in the dugout for the visitors this Saturday with his assistant Gary Waddock alongside him.

Mat Sadler, former player and club captain at Walsall, has made a strong impact since becoming the head coach in May 2023.

He led the Saddlers to their best league finish in years in his first full season, before guiding them to a record-breaking nine-game winning run in 2024–25.

That form saw Walsall top the League Two table for much of the season and reach the play-off final.

Known for his leadership and collaborative approach, Sadler has built a united, youthful squad Walsall.

He extended his stay at the club by signed a new long-term deal in January 2025.

Ones to watch:

Walsall forward Jamille Matt was one of the top scorers for The Saddlers last season, scoring 12 goals and getting 1 assist in 43 appearances for the club.

Last time these two sides met:

Barnet last played against Walsall at The Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on the 24^th of February 2007, where the Bees suffered a 4-1 defeat in the EFL League 2.

Oliver Allen gave the Bees an early lead on the 22nd minute, Walsall hit back almost immediately when Ian Hendon unwittingly diverted the ball into his own net to level the score by half-time.

The Saddlers seized control after the break as Michael Dobson struck in the 54th minute to put Walsall ahead, before Kevin Harper doubled the advantage in the 65th and 77th minutes, sealing a home triumph for The Saddlers.

Show your support as The Bees will be wanting to bounce back this Saturday at The Hive, with the team looking to secure their first points of the new season.