As former Barnet top scorer Izale McLeod grabbed a brace against the Bees on Saturday, I began to think about who would put the ball in the back of the net for the Bees in the Conference.
Edgar Davids may well add other forwards to his squad before the start of the season, but even now Barnet have a strong looking forward line for 2013/14.
Jake Hyde
Last season’s top scorer seems to be returning to full fitness and good form just in time for the season’s opener against Chester.
After grabbing goals against MK Dons and Hendon at The Hive, assistant manager Ulrich Landvreugd confirmed that he expects Hyde to still be with the club as they begin their campaign for promotion back into the Football League.
Although there were question marks over his future, I for one hope Jake stays as he would be a real asset to the team in the Conference.
His goalscoring record last season speaks for itself, whilst he has the build and stature of a proper centre forward and he would certainly be a goal threat for the Bees in the Conference.
Jon Nurse
The Barbados international had a stop-start campaign last season and suffered with more than his fair share of injuries, his collision with Bondz N’gala at York leaving the Bees to cling on to the 3 points with 9 men in the last few minutes sticks in the memory.
Nurse was deployed in a wider role towards the end of last season as Hyde flourished as the club’s top scorer.
He scored the majority of his goals last season away from home, but if he starts up front for the Bees next season he will be hoping to open his account at The Hive early in the season.
Harry Crawford
Crawford impressed in his first spell at Barnet last season, grabbing his only goal up at Bristol before he was loaned back to Dartford to get some extra game time.
He has an excellent scoring record at Conference level and although Barnet fans did not see as much of him last season due to his loan spell back at the Darts, Harry will look to continue his goal scoring record at this level for Barnet over the coming weeks.
Other Options
George Sykes, Iffy Allen and Jamal Lowe have all come through the famous academy at The Hive and could push for first team places.
Sykes looks like he could be a handful up front and cause defenders all sorts of problems with his height.
Lowe and Allen didn’t get too much first-team action last term but both will hope to progress and play more at The Hive in 2013/14.
