MATCH REPORT | BARNET FC 5-1 ARSENAL U21S

Tom Knowles’ first career hattrick saw the Bees on their way to an impressive victory under the lights at the Hive against Arsenal U21s on matchday one of the EFL Trophy.

Bright Siaw and Jack Maskell were also among the goals for the Bees in a game that saw young players get plenty of minutes under their belts.

Dean Brennan made ten changes from Saturday’s league outing against Salford City, starting off with Taye Ashby-Hammond in goal. Zac Williams paired Craig Farquhar at centre-back, with Aaron Liwala and Myles Kenlock in the full-back positions; the latter being named tonight’s captain.

Brandon Comley made his first competitive start for the Bees, partnering Will Wright in the middle, with youngster Patrick Matejko operating further forward.

Tom Knowles and Bright Siaw occupied the wings, with Jack Maskell completing the starting team, making his first start in a Barnet shirt.

The opening five minutes of the fixture presented no real opportunity for either side, with the linesman putting his flag up for offside after Zac Williams threaded the ball through the lines to find Tom Knowles.

With less than ten minutes on the clock, Barnet took the lead through Bright Siaw, who effortlessly guided the ball into the bottom left corner from the edge of the area.

Our number 33 almost turned provider moments later when sending the ball into the box, but Knowles couldn’t keep his header on target.

The Bees continued to push forward, showing their intentions to find a second. Zac Williams delivered a free-kick from just inside the Arsenal half to the edge of the area, which was nodded on by Jack Maskell, but the resulting shot from Knowles was into the hands of Kahri Ranson for the young Gunners.

With almost 20 minutes gone, Siaw sent another dangerous ball into the area and this time it was Maskell who’s header was unable to find the back of the net.

Jack Maskell doubled Barnet’s lead midway through the first-half. Taye Ashby-Hammond played the ball long and it fell to the feet of our number nine who fired past Ranson for our second.

As we approached the half-an-hour mark, the young Gunners had a string of opportunities from multiple corners, but were unable to put the ball past the Barnet defence.

Arsenal closed the gap with less than ten minutes to play of the first 45. Archie Stevens sent the ball into the six yard box and it Knowles was unfortunate to turn it into the back of his own goal.

The visitors came close to levelling proceedings when Demaine Agustein sent a looping ball goalwards, but Ashby-Hammond was able to tip the ball round the post and out for a corner.

Barnet restored their two-goal cushion on the stroke of half-time. Siaw with another dangerous delivery from out wide was sent past Ranson by Knowles to give the Bees breathing room at the break.

Half-time: Barnet FC 2-1 Arsenal U21s

Oisin Gallagher replaced Brandon Comley in a half-time switch.

The Bees won a corner shortly after the restart and Knowles sent it in to the back post where Maskell rose to meet it, but he headed his effort over the bar.

Knowles was on hand to score our fourth of the evening with just over ten minutes of the second-half gone. Our number seven pounced on a mistake at the back and guided the ball into an empty net to increase our advantage.

Ashby-Hammond was called into action at his near post to deny Archie Stevens from close range and up the other end of the pitch, Will Wright almost headed home a Knowles corner as both sides searched for more goals.

Knowles completed his hattrick just before the 70 minute mark, driving down the left and cutting inside, before slotting the ball past Ranson for his third of the evening.

Rohat Matyar was introduced in the final moments, replacing our hattrick hero Knowles and with four minutes additional time, Adam Senior came on in place of Liwala.

The young Arsenal side continued to search for a consolation goal as the clock ticked down, but the Bees saw the game out with a four-goal cushion.

Full-time: Barnet FC 5-1 Arsenal U21s

Line-up: Ashby-Hammond, Williams, Knowles, Maskell, Wright, Comley (Gallagher, 46’), Kenlock, Siaw, Farquhar, Liwala, Matejko

Goals: Siaw (9’), Maskell (25’), Knowles (45+2’, 56’, 69′)

Attendance: 1,507 (498 visitors)