Played two, won two. Scored seven, against zero. It’s a record that Barnet fans will be proud to shout from the rooftops when the Imps come to town on Saturday. As Sam Togwell said after the Chester game on Saturday: “it doesn’t get better than that.”
It is only a start, two games and half a week into what is a ten month, 46 game competition. There are five other teams with six points on the board. But Martin Allen’s men can take immense satisfaction from a convincing away win followed by the scalp of promotion favourites Bristol Rovers three days later.
I didn’t make it up to Chester unfortunately, so Tuesday’s game was my first chance to see The Bees in competitive action this term, and I was very impressed with what I saw. For a team that featured five new signings I was delighted to see a real togetherness about the team.
Martin Allen obviously has this team well drilled and each man knew their job. Each player was fighting for each other, for the fans, for the shirt. I said it last week but it is worth saying again: this looks like a much happier and more united team of players.
Almost more than the result, it was great to see a real buzz around The Hive on match day and especially after the game, when the whole of the West Stand (where I was sitting) stood up to applaud a job well done against Rovers. The players came to acknowledge the fans, all of whom created a great atmosphere despite many of us getting completely soaked just before kick off!
After the game the manager singled out John Akinde for special praise after netting his first goal for the club. He looked a real handful up front and has already made a few assists and it was great to see him and his strike partner Charlie MacDonald on the scoresheet on Tuesday.
The games come thick and fast with Lincoln’s visit on Saturday followed by two Bank Holiday games the following Saturday and Monday. No time to rest up and take their foot off the gas, Barnet have to keep performing at this level to win games.
But the six points and seven goals should give the Bees great confidence going into the battles ahead. Let’s make it another great atmosphere at The Hive this weekend. I’m really looking forward to it!
