Barnet manager Dean Brennan expressed optimism about his team's chances of reaching the play-offs following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Cheltenham Town. The match, played on Saturday, saw Barnet maintain their unbeaten start to the League Two season and remain close to the division’s early pace-setters.
Barnet, returning to the English Football League after promotion, overcame a challenging beginning last season to finish eighth, narrowly missing out on a play-off spot. Brennan noted that their total of 76 points in the previous campaign would have secured a play-off position in 18 of the past 20 seasons. He also highlighted the team’s significant progress, contrasting their current performance with the lack of points recorded at the same stage last year.
The match at Barnet’s home ground unfolded with high intensity. Charlie Lakin opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a well-constructed team move to put the hosts ahead. However, Cheltenham responded after the interval. Ryan Broom equalized on the hour mark, exploiting defensive errors by the home side. Four minutes later, a misdirected back-pass from Barnet’s Myles Kenlock enabled Jake Evans to assist Charlie McCann in giving Cheltenham the lead.
The game remained closely contested, and controversy arose in the 78th minute when referee Abigail Byrne awarded a penalty to Barnet after Broom was judged to have fouled Oisin Gallagher inside the box. Kabongo Tshimanga converted the spot-kick, securing a draw for Barnet. Cheltenham manager Steve Cotterill criticized the decision, describing the refereeing as “very poor” and asserting that the foul did not occur inside the penalty area. Despite his frustration with the officiating, Cotterill praised his players' performance but suggested they could have achieved a better result.
Brennan described the match as an engaging encounter between two committed sides, emphasizing the professionalism and determination of the players on both teams. Barnet’s start to the season, marked by a string of positive results, has positioned them well in the competitive League Two table as the campaign progresses.