Josh Wright’s managerial reign began with defeat as Barnet went top of the league by sending four first-half goals past the Fleet, who dug in during a much-improved second-half and saw Dominic Poleon return to the scoresheet with a late consolation.
For Wright’s first match in charge since his caretaker spell in September, he made four changes, taking himself out of the side along with Dylan Berry, Aaron Cosgrave and Anthony Stewart. Coming in were Mark Cousins, Louis John, Tom Dallison and Todd Kane.
Barnet were on top early on, forcing their way into the Fleet half with plenty of possession but for the first few minutes without much real threat. Fleet got out of their half when Alex Aoraha played Callum Harriott through but goalkeeper Nick Hayes arrived to clear first.
On his former home ground, Mark Cousins was soon called into action with Zak Brunt firing low to force the first of a number of good saves from the Fleet goalkeeper.
But with nine minutes on the clock, Barnet were in front when a clever switch of play unsettled the visitors and Nicke Kabamba was picked out at the far post by Danny Collinge. His header was precise and carried weight as it made its way into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead.
Barnet continued to push on and Mark Shelton brought another save from Cousins but the same player scored the Bees’ second on 18 minutes. This time, Fleet’s half-clearance came out into space for Shelton who executed a perfect volley that thundered into the back of the net leaving the visiting defenders and their keeper absolutely no chance.
And soon after it was three. Rhys Browne made his mark with another wonder goal thanks to a quick turn in the box, leaving Cousins no chance as it smashed into the opposite upright on 27 minutes.
Three became four on 33 minutes as everything Barnet touched seemed like it might end up in a goal. Ryan Glover arrived in the box following a cutback from Danny Collinge and he was able to drill the ball home form close range.
Fleet could easily have buckled such was Barnet’s superiority but they dug in and ventured forward, Harriott running at the defence and trying his luck from distance but that effort was off target.
Three substitutions and a change of shape gave Fleet more solidity in the second half although Barnet continued to look strong. Browne went in search of his second but Cousins pulled off a great save before he did it again with a strong palm away of Shelton’s effort from a free-kick.
Fleet pressed for a spell that ended with Edser opting to shoot from the edge of the area but it was well over before play switched back again and Barnet substitute Callum Stead pulled the trigger but Cousins got low to block that effort.
Poleon was a willing runner and with Bingham on from the 65th minute, there were a few glimpses of goal, particularly when a ball forward put the Fleet top scorer through on goal but his low shot rolled just wide.
Kanu fired a good effort into the side netting for Barnet but a goal would arrive for the Fleet and it came in the 84th minute. Maxx Manktelow’s quick thinking and neat skill sent the ball towards goalkeeper Hayes but he got in a spot of bother allowing Poleon to capitalise, turn Ade Oluwo and he then ran clear to fire into the empty net.
EUFC: Cousins, John, Cordner (Domi 46), Dallison, Souaré, Kane, Aoraha (Manktelow 77), Edser, Davies (Cosgrave 46), Harriott (Bingham 65), Kwame Thomas (Poleon 46). Subs: Tanga, Berry
BFC: Hayes, Kenlock, Collinge, Oluwo, Hartigan (Clifford 76), Browne (Stead 71), Glover (Kanu 71), Brunt (Cropper 76), Shelton, Tavares (Coker 71), Kabamba. Subs not used: Bellagambi, Grimwood.
Attendance: 1,583 (120 EUFC)
Photos: © EUFC/Ed Miller
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