Ryan Walmsley reports from further north in London…
When Barnet were three goals to the good at half-time against a strong Kidderminster Harriers side on 11th October, not many would anticipated the events of the second half.
The Bees conceded three in the space of 20 minutes, and despite the strength of the opposition, this was definitely not a point gained, but two lost.
The second half was a performance of relegation battlers; not title contenders.
However, this collapse was not indicative of the season they have had so far – it was merely a blip for Martin Allen’s Bees. Since then, they have won their last two league matches comfortably. Barnet picked apart fellow promotion contenders Gateshead on their own patch, before dismantling Braintree at The Hive.
Currently, the Bees sit atop of the Conference Premier, and the draw against Kidderminster was only the sixth time the Bees have dropped points in 18 league games.
Contrast this to last year’s campaign, and the difference is stark.
After four managers in the space of six months, finally having some stability at the top has shone through on to the players. Gone is the indiscipline that plagued the Edgar Davids reign, and the relaxed attitude of Martin Allen has calmed the Barnet team.
Barnet boast the league’s strongest defence and most potent attack – a formidable combination.
John Akinde has nine goals already, half the amount that he managed with Alfreton last season; Lee Cook has chipped in with eight from out wide and Luisma has hit the net on seven occasions after a midweek brace against Braintree.
The defence, marshalled by Bonds N’Gala and David Stephens, has only led to the Barnet net bulging on 13 occasions in the league, whilst experienced keeper Graham Stack has already kept 10 clean sheets in all competitions.
The wily Sam Togwell and captain Curtis Weston have maintained a balance in midfield that allows the full backs to influence play in the final third. So much so that Andy Yiadom’s impressive performances have led to an England C call-up.
Expectations are set high at Barnet and the players are not disappointing. Since winning seven of their first eight, the Bees have taken 18 points from the last 10 games and are in imperious form.
This is Martin Allen’s fourth spell in charge at Barnet: he’ll be hoping to get the Bees flying back in to the Football League at his first attempt.