The Bees return to The Hive Stadium this weekend as they welcome Steve Cotterill’s Cheltenham Town for matchday three of the Sky Bet League Two season.
Barnet
Barnet made it back-to-back league victories last weekend with an impressive 3-1 win over Shrewsbury Town at Croud Meadow.
The Bees took an early lead through debutant Jake Reeves, who fired into the bottom corner from outside the penalty area after the ball fell kindly to him following Charlie Lakin’s effort.
Shrewsbury responded before half-time, capitalising on a loose ball to level the score and send the two sides into the break at 1-1.
The hosts began the second half strongly and came close to taking the lead, but Barnet weathered the pressure before Dean Brennan’s substitutions helped shift the momentum.
Myles Kenlock, Tom Knowles and Jack Maskell were all introduced shortly after the hour mark.
Barnet regained the lead late on when Lakin connected with a powerful volley from inside the box. Knowles then sealed all three points in the 90th minute with a superb finish into the top corner.
The result extended the Bees’ winning run to three matches in all competitions.
Barnet’s last five results
* Shrewsbury Town 1-3 Barnet FC — Sky Bet League Two
* Barnet FC 5-1 Arsenal U21s — EFL Trophy
* Barnet FC 3-1 Salford City — Sky Bet League Two
* Cambridge United 2-1 Barnet FC — Carabao Cup
* Barnet FC 1-1 Bromley — Pre-season friendly
Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Swindon Town at the Nigel Eady County Ground last weekend in their first away fixture of the new season.
Swindon opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Aaron Drinan curled an excellent strike into the top corner from outside the penalty area.
Cheltenham created several opportunities to equalise before the break, but Swindon goalkeeper Connor Ripley produced a series of important saves to preserve his side’s advantage.
The hosts doubled their lead early in the second half when Ollie Clarke converted from close range following a flick-on.
Cheltenham continued to search for a route back into the contest and were rewarded five minutes from time. Pierce Sweeney’s long ball found Ryan Broom, who produced a spectacular scissor-kick finish into the top corner.
The Robins pushed for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Swindon held firm to secure all three points.
Cheltenham Town’s last five results
* Swindon Town 2-1 Cheltenham Town — Sky Bet League Two
* Cheltenham Town 2-1 Rotherham United — Sky Bet League Two
* Cheltenham Town 1-3 Charlton Athletic — Carabao Cup
* Cheltenham Town 0-2 MK Dons — Pre-season friendly
* Evesham United 0-3 Cheltenham Town — Pre-season friendly
In the dugout
Steve Cotterill will be in the visitors’ dugout on Saturday, alongside his assistant Rob Edwards.
Cotterill is a familiar and highly respected figure at Cheltenham Town, having returned for a second spell as manager in September 2025.
His first spell, between 1997 and 2002, remains one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. He guided the Robins to three promotions and the FA Trophy, while also leading them into the Football League for the first time.
Cotterill has since enjoyed an extensive managerial career across the EFL, taking charge of clubs including Burnley, Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Shrewsbury Town.
He has achieved five promotions during his managerial career, including leading Bristol City to the League One title and EFL Trophy double.
Cotterill returned to Cheltenham with the club battling relegation and made an immediate impact, guiding the Robins to League Two safety with five matches remaining last season.
One to watch: Pierce Sweeney
Pierce Sweeney will provide a significant challenge for the Bees’ attacking players this weekend.
The Irish defender joined the Robins during the summer, bringing considerable EFL experience, defensive stability and leadership to Cotterill’s side.
Sweeney moved to the EV Charger Points Stadium from Exeter City, where he enjoyed two spells and made more than 400 appearances for the Grecians.
Comfortable playing across the back line, Sweeney is composed in possession and capable of starting attacks from defence. His experience, versatility and physical presence make him an important part of Cheltenham’s team.
Last time the sides met
Barnet were held to a goalless draw by Cheltenham Town at The Hive Stadium when the sides last met, despite the Bees dominating much of the early action.
Ryan Glover and Kane Smith caused problems down the right, while Nnamdi Ofoborh and Kabongo Tshimanga also went close to opening the scoring. However, Cheltenham goalkeeper Joe Day stood firm to keep Barnet at bay.
The visitors offered more of an attacking threat after the break, but Barnet goalkeeper Cieran Slicker denied Isaac Hutchinson when he found himself one-on-one.
Barnet made several changes as they searched for a winner, including handing a debut to loanee Jack Howland, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Cheltenham were reduced to ten men late on when Arkell Jude-Boyd received a second yellow card, but the Bees were unable to capitalise as the match finished 0-0.
Dean Brennan’s side head into Saturday’s fixture sitting at the top of the Sky Bet League Two table. The Bees will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and strengthen their position at the summit with another positive result at The Hive.
Back the bees tomorrow as we take on Cheltenham Town!
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