MATCH REPORT | EASTLEIGH

Barnet came back from behind to earn a point at The Hive on Good Friday, as they faced Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League.

The game kicked off with high intensity, both sides looking to seize early control.

The ball zipped from end to end in a lively opening spell, with neither team giving an inch.

An early scare for the Bees came when a wayward pass back carried too much pace, forcing goalkeeper Owen Evans to scramble and concede a corner.

Fortunately for the hosts, the danger was easily dealt with.

Barnet looked bright in spells, creating several chances, but Eastleigh proved to be a stubborn opponent, pressing hard and breaking quickly whenever they regained possession.

Midway through the first half, the visitors capitalised on a defensive mix-up.

A heavy back pass from Mark Shelton left Evans stranded outside his box.

Tyrese Shade pounced on the loose ball, taking it around Evans and passed it to Paul McCallum, who tapped into an empty net to give Eastleigh the lead.

The goal served as a wake up call for Barnet, who responded with quick counter attacks.

Just before half-time, the Bees won a free kick on the left side.

Captain Anthony Hartigan stepped up and delivered a pinpoint ball into the box, where Danny Collinge rose highest to head home past Joe McDonnell, bringing Barnet level going into the break.

Half-Time: 1–1

The second half saw Barnet pick up where they left off, showing energy and intent as they pushed for a winner.

But Eastleigh weren’t backing down, pressing high and looking to punish any lapses in concentration.

Chances came and went for the Bees, but McDonnell stood firm in the Spitfires’ goal, pulling off a series of solid saves to keep the score level.

Just after the hour mark, Dean Brennan turned to his bench, introducing Lee Ndlovu and Harry Chapman in place of Zak Brunt and Idris Kanu.

The change almost paid immediate dividends.

Chapman made an instant impact, bursting down the left wing and driving into the box, but couldn’t quite convert or find a teammate with his final ball.

As the clock ticked down, Barnet continued to dominate possession and push forward in search of a late winner.

Chapman remained a constant threat on the flank, but the Eastleigh defence held firm to see out the draw.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a point on a spirited Good Friday, with Barnet now turning their attention to Easter Monday’s trip to Sutton United.

Full-Time: 1–1

Barnet Goals: Collinge (44’)

Eastleigh Goals: McCallum (35’)

Lineup: Evans, Collinge, Browne, Stead, Kanu (Chapman 65’), Glover (Telford 82’), Brunt (Ndlovu 62’), Hartigan, Shelton, Oluwo, Tavares.

Attendance: 3065 (117 Away)