It’s fitting that Josh Wright will begin his managerial career at the club where he played his first senior games and scored his first senior goal – Barnet. That was 17 years ago in League Two and now the newly named Fleet boss looks to start National League improvement against the side second in the division.
This is the first ‘return fixture’ of the season, with Barnet having already played at the Kuflink Stadium back at the beginning of August.
Form guide
Barnet are level on points with leaders York City and in their previous five league fixtures have gone undefeated with three wins and two draws. The Bees enjoyed FA Trophy success last weekend, knocking out National League South side Aveley.
Last time out
It was a 2-1 win for the visitors back in August, Callum Stead’s brace putting them in control and a late penalty converted by Dominic Poleon couldn’t change the share of the points. In the corresponding fixture last season, Poleon netted a brace but was outgunned by Nicke Kabamba’s hat-trick.
Previous visits to The Hive
Other than that August Bank Holiday clash last season, there was a memorable trip to North London for the Fleet back in 2018 with a 3-0 victory secured by goals from Danny Kedwell, Corey Whitely and Sean Shields. A year later, Barnet ran out easy 5-2 winners against Kevin Watson’s Fleet team.
Club connections
Fleet keeper Mark Cousins spent one season at The Hive in 2018/19 where he featured 49 times for the Bees in all competitions and was part of their FA Cup run to the Fourth Round. On the other side, former Fleet players Myles Kenlock and Billy Clifford made the switch to North London in the summer. As already mentioned, Josh Wright spent time with Barnet on loan from Charlton at the beginning of his career.
The manager
Dubliner Dean Brennan heads into his fourth season in charge of the Bees and he has since overseen more than 150 matches. Previous managerial roles include Wealdstone, Kingstonian, Billericay Town and Hemel Hempstead Town, winning a league title with two of those clubs. Brennan was recently named the National League’s Manager of the month for November.
Ticket info
Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
Parking will cost £8 per vehicle.
