Barnet FC kicked off their long-awaited return to the EFL with a 3pm showdown against Fleetwood Town at The Hive Stadium.
The Bees started brightly, settling into the game well and pushing forward in search of an early advantage.
Fleetwood, however, were quick to test Barnet’s resolve, but the home defence held firm and remained composed in possession.
In the 10th minute, Idris Kanu came close to opening the scoring.
Cutting inside from the right, he drilled a low shot toward the near post, but Cod Army goalkeeper Jay Lynch reacted sharply to make the save.
Just two minutes later, Barnet looked to have taken the lead.
Ryan Glover’s strike from distance took a heavy deflection and was turned into the net by Danny Collinge, only for the referee to rule it out for offside.
The Bees continued to press and looked the stronger of the two sides throughout the first half.
However, a costly mistake at the back saw Fleetwood take the lead.
Goalkeeper Owen Evans was caught out of possession, allowing Will Davies to pounce and slot the ball into an empty net.
Despite going behind, Barnet pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Glover tried to pick out Adam Senior at the back post with a well-placed cross, but the ball drifted wide for a goal kick.
The home side continued to threaten but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Half-Time: Barnet FC 0-1 Fleetwood Town
Barnet came out with renewed energy after the break.
Within seconds of the restart, Joe Hugill broke through on goal, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper.
Fleetwood then doubled their lead moments later.
Following a save from Evans, Elliot Bonds reacted quickest to the rebound, firing home from close range to make it 2-0.
Looking to change the game, Dean Brennan brought on Scott High, Callum Stead, and Ollie Hawkins to inject fresh energy into the side.
Fleetwood looked dangerous on the counter, occasionally catching Barnet’s defence off-guard, but Adam Senior made several crucial last-ditch tackles to keep the score line in check.
Idris Kanu continued to be a bright spark for Barnet, using his pace and footwork to deliver crosses from both flanks, though he struggled to find teammates in threatening positions.
Scott High came close with a long-range effort in the 80th minute, aiming for the top corner, but the shot took a deflection and went out for a throw-in.
As time ran down, Barnet pushed hard for a late goal.
Substitute Dennis Adeniran had a shot in the closing moments, but it wasn’t enough to deny Fleetwood the clean sheet.
Full-Time: Barnet FC 0-2 Fleetwood Town
Barnet’s return to EFL football sadly ended in defeat, falling behind 2-0 in the opening fixture.
However, they’ll be looking to bounce back quickly as they travel to face Bromley at Hayes Lane next week.
Line up: Evans, Galvin (Smith 76’), Collinge, Senior, Browne (Hawkins76’), Kanu, Glover, Brunt (Stead 59’), Hartigan, Hugill (Adeniran 59’), Kensdale (High 51’)
Attendance: 3709 (291 Fleetwood Town Supporters)