Marciano Mengerink lit up Top Field on Tuesday night with an impressive brace as Barnet secured a 0-3 win over Hitchin Town.

The Dutchman scored two first-half goals which included a blockbuster second on the stroke of half-time as he volleyed past Hitchin keeper Tahj Lench from 25-yards.

Prior to netting the opener the forward won a penalty but George Sykes was denied by Lench who tipped the ball behind the post. Mauro Vilhete also got on the scoresheet with a neat finish from a Jon Nurse corner.

The first opportunity of the match fell to Sykes who shot high and wide following a mesmerising run from Iffy Allen.

Moments later the Bees had the perfect chance to take the lead when Mengerink was felled in the box but despite finding the corner from the spot Sykes saw his penalty saved.

With 20 minutes played the deadlock was broken when Vilhete’s header fell to Mengerink who smashed the ball through the crowd and into the net. 

12 minutes later it could have been two but Sykes’ excellent 30-yard lob drifted inches past the post. 

On the stroke of half-time it was two as Mengerink volleyed a magnificent effort over the keeper and into net from the far corner of the box.

The Bees made one change at the break with Ahmed Abdulla replacing Roberto Casabella. 

The first chance of the second period fell to the home side as Michael King smashed the ball wide before Sykes and Luisma Villa saw shots blocked.

Luisma and Dom Vose were replaced shortly after by Freddie Warren and Billy Lobjoit with the latter putting in an impressive shift during the closing stages.

Jon Nurse also entered the fray and with 61 minutes played he grabbed an assist as Vilhete met his corner to volley the ball into the roof of the net. 

Four minutes later Lobjoit stung the palms of Lench and with 14 minutes to play he went close again as his low finish edged past the post. 

The home side’s best chance came with 10 minutes to play but Charles’ powerful effort was somehow averted to safety by Nick Jupp.

On Saturday the Bees entertain AEL Limassol at The Hive in their final pre-season fixture, tickets are buy one get one free if booked before midnight on Friday so book order yours now.