Since my last entry, the world of Barnet FC has largely been a positive one. There have been plenty of wins, a draw, and an unfortunate defeat. We are now out of the summer phase of the season and into the autumnal stage whereby everything feels a bit more real and important.
After our dismissal of Altrincham, came a game away at another Greater Manchester opponent, Rochdale. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend this one so was forced to rely on football score apps and our club’s official Twitter page which was a thoroughly unenjoyable experience.
Annoyingly, we fell to a 4-2 defeat and according to those that were there, were defensively suspect and not our usual selves. These defeats happen over the course of a season and what is important is how we respond. Despite the defeat, we remained in a good position and still looked on for a positive season.
The following week came our first Tuesday night of the season, always a reminder of the painful experience that is 5th tier football. Fortunately, we looked far better and won 2-1 against a middling Aldershot side. Our second goal, scored by Nicke Kabamba, was wonderful.
Marvin Armstrong won the ball in midfield, released Reece Hall-Johnson who crossed for Kabamba to score his 9th goal of the season. It was a demonstration of our attacking quality and also another sign of the goodness of Hall-Johnson. He’s quick, direct and terrifies defences. Despite some nerves at the end, we got through it and recorded another win.
Such is the National League that our next game was the Saturday after against FC Halifax Town. This seemed a good opportunity to get another win against a side in the lower echelons of the table, but we were frustrated by a stubborn defence, missed chances and just general irritation.
We drew 0-0 in a game reminiscent of those that occur against Boreham Wood. The chances missed by Callum Stead and Armstrong, both inarguable sitters, rounded off an afternoon that can happen when involved in a title race and it was one to forget especially when you remember the fact that Chesterfield won and temporarily opened up a 5-point gap on us. A potentially pivotal afternoon? I really hope not.
Then came the game and the away trip for which I was most excited, York City away. Fortunately for me, my mate Stefan has a university house in Headingley so kindly offered his hospitality and I enjoyed a night back in West Yorkshire.
There are plenty of bad things about being stuck in the fifth tier but getting to go to York isn’t one of them. A glorious, historic city that was a pleasure to visit. Drinking in the Hole in the Wall, abuzz with excitement, before heading to the ground, was a joy and reinforced just how good it is to follow the Bees away.
The ground, the LNER Community Stadium, was a strange one to visit. Its surrounded by a swimming pool, a library and multiple fast food outlets but the ground itself is quite nice. We went 1-0 down early on but roared back through a great finish by Harry Pritchard, and then a burst in the second half with goals from Reece Hall-Johnson, Idris Kanu, and Zak Brunt. It was a very fun afternoon and as the chants swirled around the away end and my voice teetered on the brink of going, I realized that this is all I’ve ever wanted from Barnet.
A likeable team of the loveliest lads playing the loveliest football and getting it to watch it with the loveliest people. It was a special night and to have 163 of us in the away end with only one train back to London after the game, was another sign of how far the club has come. This is especially pertinent when you consider the fact that two seasons ago, for FC Halifax Town away on Saturday 26th February 2022, we took 77 and watched an insipid performance.
Also, to be able to introduce my mate Stefan, one of my best mates, to following Barnet away was a privilege too.
A few days after our jaunt up north, came Kidderminster away. A return to the site of the great day in 2015. I was very kindly offered a lift to this game and as we drank in the fine drinking establishments of Kidderminster, there was confidence amongst the Bees support. This was helped by the fact that the Harriers were rooted to the bottom of the table without a win since August.
We sauntered down to the ground, tucking into some delicious chips bought from a local chippy, and filed into the away end. I’d never been to Aggborough before and I was thoroughly impressed; old-school, rustic and terraces at both ends. Everything that football grounds should be.
The first half was joyous as we raced into a 2-0 lead through a wonderful free kick from Anthony Hartigan and a great header by Callum Stead, the second half was less joyous. We conceded and allowed Kidderminster back into the game but held out and claimed yet another vital win. Our collective moods were even more enhanced when the final whistle went at York Road, and we found out that Chesterfield had only drawn 1-1 with Maidenhead. Tide turning our way?
The following Tuesday, we hosted AFC Fylde, and this was proper National League fare. A low crowd, small away following and being behind early on. Thankfully, Callum Stead, on 80 minutes, equalized and this preceded one of the best moments ever at the Hive. In the 97th minute, of 8 added on, a ball was flung in by Zak Brunt and a combination of Kabamba and Hall-Johnson ensured it crossed the line.
What followed will always stay with me; I hugged my friend, then raced to the front and was involved in a glorious melee. The sort of melee whereby you jostle for space, are mere inches from our heroes and embrace people you don’t even know. It was the sort of moment that means you can allow yourself to believe and dream.
We’re on our way, the Kabamba chant, Just can’t get enough and other songs echoed around the ground as we filtered out into the Edgware night. I’m prone to dewy-eyedness about football but it truly was beautiful. This is the most fun I’ve ever had watching Barnet and getting to share it with so many great people is magical. May this wondrous, wild, beautiful ride never end. If you’re a Barnet fan free on Saturday evening, get yourself to Dorking and into the away end. This season isn’t to be missed, its so much fun.
We’re on our way,
You Bees x
N Rowland Sports Writer 
Leave a comment