After the satisfactory start to the season, it was time for the crunch of winter. Always a hectic period in the footballing calendar, one that would be a good indicator of where this season would end up. Despite the disappointment of the consecutive defeats to Solihull Moors and York, our season was still in a positive place.
The following week after York, we hosted Rochdale at home. An undoubtedly huge game, we went ahead early through Nicke Kabamba, and this lead was doubled by the ever-reliable Ben Coker whose enthusiastic celebration was a great sign of his commitment to the club.
The second half was a tense watch as Rochdale pulled a goal back on 70 minutes and the rest of the game was excruciating. Thankfully, we won and recorded another victory. This was important after the disappointment at York. It also served to extend our unbeaten home record, a seriously impressive statistic. A mix of defensive security and attacking flair has contributed to this.
The league was temporarily paused to allow for the resumption of the FA Cup. We were given Exeter away, not the most ideal draw given their lofty League One status, but it was another ground to tick off and another city to visit too.
I headed with a mate of mine to a busy Paddington and boarded the train to Exeter. It was a pleasant visit to a lovely city; the cathedral was most historic, and it was reassuring to see it busy and bustling.
The game was frankly ridiculous; we conceded early, and it felt inevitable that it would be an archetypal tie whereby a league side play a non-league club, but this team of heroes defied expectations. When Nicke Kabamba put us 3-2 ahead in the second half, it prompted glorious scenes on the away terrace, and we dared to dream.
Unfortunately, defensive rashness cost us, and we lost 4-3. I headed home gutted and proud in equal measure, from a pragmatic point of view the FA Cup and be a distraction but it was an undeserved loss.
Our journey home was spent feeling a mix of pride and disappointment; pride that we had taken the game right to a league one side but disappointment that we couldn’t get a famous victory.
However, we had more important matters to concentrate on, namely our quest to return to the promised land of League Two. This resumed with Oldham at home the following Saturday, my dad joined me for this game, and it turned out to be a very frustrating game.
After an impeccably observed Remembrance Day minutes silence, the game commenced, and we started well. Chances came but were missed and it was one of those games. Oldham were not all that threatening and I worried that a 0-0 draw was a result we might regret come May.
However, to limit a supposed threat like Oldham to such few chances was a real positive and boded well. A frustrating day but it extended our unbeaten run at home.
On a personal note, it was very nice to have my Dad alongside me at the top of block B watching the Bees. I often regale him with stories of my experiences of following the Bes across the country but for him to see feel all the feelings during a nervy and tense game was very special. After all, he was the one who took me along to Underhill, stood with me at Northampton and endured the dire pre-Brennan years with me.
The following week away at Dagenham and Redbridge was frankly madness. It started in a conventional manner with a lovely carvery at a pub nearby to the ground whereby familiar faces populated it and there was a good buzz in the air.
After I found my spot in a busy away end, we found ourselves 1-0 down with worrying immediacy. A lack of concentration was to blame. However, this was rectified when soon after, Idris Kanu equalized, and we found ourselves again.
But the pendulum swung again in the Daggers’ favour as they made it 2-1 and then 3-1 soon into the second half. The away end that had been noisy and lively was quiet and bleak, we stared into the abyss of potentially, yet another title challenge ended before Christmas.
However, as evidenced previously this season, this squad has an inherent steel and resolve. A couple of debatable penalties scored by Nicke Kabamba, and we were right back in it at 3-3. From then on, we were excellent. Rhys Browne scored the winner and prompted delirium in the away end.
After some chaos in our own box and some heroic goalkeeping, we saw out the 4-3 win and the away end was abuzz with joy. It was a mad game of football but one that we were brave in and one that after which, you can’t help but believe.
I was very emotional at full time, and this didn’t cease as classics like ‘Twist and Shout’ were belted out as well as various other songs. Our title charge was resurrected in Dagenham.
After such breathless mayhem, we all wanted a more relaxing affair against Woking. Thankfully, we got this as we brushed aside a poor Woking side with goals from Rhys Browne and Bailey Hobson. It was a very good performance and one that evidenced our quality.
It was also a game where we saw how fortunate we are to have Rhys Browne in our team; he may get injured again and as a result his appearances may be sparser, but we know he can score those critical goals like away at Dagenham or at home versus Altrincham. A frankly ridiculous footballer.
Our midweek duties recommenced the Tuesday after when we travelled to Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town FC. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this game due to work duties so was forced to watch it on DAZN. We started well and went 1-0 up early through Ryan Glover but were unable to kill Yeovil off.
They equalized on 73 minutes, and we were left worried. Thankfully, Danny Collinge scored the winner, and we saw out yet another vital victory. Grit, character, mentality in absolute abundance from the best Barnet side I’ve ever seen.
Watching DAZN was not as enjoyable as being in the ground, it was far more nerve-wracking and tense. I did not envy those for which watching at home is a more regular occurrence.
I missed the next game as we travelled to Hartlepool. I went to this fixture last season but this time round, the trains we travelled on last season weren’t running and therefore travelling to the game became very difficult.
The unreliability of trains struck again. This experience of following the Bees was even worse than watching on DAZN because it involved constant refreshing of FotMob and the Barnet twitter page. Unsurprisingly, referees cost us again as we were denied a perfectly legitimate goal because of a non-existent foul on the keeper.
This combined with a wonder save from the Hartlepool keeper to keep out a Nik Tavares header made me quite disappointed. The standard of refereeing in this country continues to be scandalous and depending on the outcome of this season, the ruling out of a perfectly fine goal could rank alongside the non-awarding of a penalty in 2018 against Accrington Stanley when John Akinde was punched in the face, in Barnet infamy.
But, despite this, it was another game we did not lose therefore we stretched our unbeaten run and remained solid at the back.
The league was paused the following week when we hosted Aveley in the FA Trophy, and we were comfortable 2-0 winners. Understandably, we bowed out when we travelled to Altrincham and lost 3-1, not a disaster as the league and promotion is far more important.
This resumed when Ebbsfleet came to town, and this was a strange game as we were almost certain to win. This came from the fact that they are a woeful side destined for relegation, and this was evidenced in our performance.
It was a 4-1 rout, we were 3-0 up after 27 minutes playing joyous, carefree, dominant football and showing the type of swagger expected. We were a bit less riotous in the second half and only scored one more, but I was more than happy with that.
Another win, another home game where the opposition did not lay a glove on us. For me personally, it was also a strange experience as I spent a large portion of the game thinking that Ebbsfleet now were what we used to be; directionless, hopeless and average.
How times change and this is down to Dean Brennan; the man that’s masterminded this revolution.
Draws followed over Christmas; a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Halifax, a breathless 3-3 draw at home to Sutton that I followed from Ashton Gate due to being in Bristol over Christmas and a tired 1-1 draw at Eastleigh on New Years Day.
This was slightly disappointing as they definitely were winnable games, but given Ryan Glover’s equalizer came in the 99th minute, we’ll take them. This squad are never far away from a good run of wins.
A trip to Gloucestershire followed in mid-January, and a huge game. Due to work, I missed the game but watched it on DAZN. A stressful 90 minutes followed, not helped by the thick fog persistent for the first half and some of the second half.
We missed several chances but were excellent and Forest Green Rovers offered very little. A proper away performance, and another showing of us as a proper team.
After this, a glorious run came. It started by the seaside at Roots Hall, home of Southend United FC. I met my mates on the train and headed to Liverpool Street. After an easy enough train ride, we headed to the pub and drank and ate until it was time to head to the ramshackle but loveable Roots Hall.
From the moment I stepped into the lively, busy away end, I knew we were going to win, and my instincts were proved correct. We were dominant early on and went one-nil up through Danny Collinge, then two-nil up through our own goal and spirits were high in the away end at half.
There was an element of doubt that if they were to score, it might get nervy but much to my relief, those fears were unnecessary as we were again comfortable and completed a joyous victory through another Danny Collinge goal.
After that goal came the goodness; twist and shout, hi de hi ho, and many other Barnet songs were belted out as belief, hope and joy swirled round. It was another lovely Saturday following a lovely football team.
We headed to the bar after full-time and after a while, I headed to the toilet. Upon leaving the toile, I noticed that the door to the lounge was slightly ajar. I popped my head in and spotted Dean Brennan, Connor Smith and many of the Barnet players. I went to get my mates and reconvened with them.
We chatted with them, congratulated them and generally spent a lovely few minutes with our idols. I spent most of it in awe at the people that had given me my club back. A wonderful gesture from wonderful people.
The next game was equally fun as we hosted Maidenhead United and to say it was comfortable would be an understatement. The game finished 3-0 but it could have been way more, we were utterly dominant and as aforementioned, another team came to the Hive and didn’t lay a glove on us.
Callum Stead, Mark Shelton and Idris Kanu were the scorers. Kanu deserved his goal as he has received criticism this season but since becoming a more permanent fixture in the side, has played very well. His pace, directness and love for the badge are a joy to behold, as well as his defending too. An epitome of the undying commitment this squad has for the club.
Unfortunately, due to illness and unexplained stomach pains, I missed the following game at home versus Hartlepool United. I watched on DAZN but again, it was a very comfortable win. We won 2-0 and it was memorable because Lee Ndlovu, our Kabamba replacement, scored his first goal. A potentially pivotal moment in our title quest.
I have been thoroughly impressed with him since he joined; his finishing, hold-up play and general passion have been joyous, he clearly gets it. The players’ joy when we scored was lovely too, there’s the togetherness so intrinsic to Brennan’s charges.
After this, came two memorable away days. The first being Tamworth away, a ground and place I’d never been to before so that added another level of intrigue and excitement. I headed to Euston early, met some mates and boarded a train to the Midlands.
Once in Tamworth, as per tradition, we headed to the pub and soaked in some beer and the lunchtime early-kick offs. We then, after a visit to another pub, headed to the ground and filed into the away end. Once again, it was busy, noisy and populated by lots of familiar faces.
The game was a scrappy one but one we won 1-0, a real showing of our character, grit and resolve. It was also nervy, but the full-time scenes were great, and the players and Brennan clearly recognized the enormity of the three points.
The singalong exiting the ground and en route to the ground was another enjoyable aspect of the day. Following Barnet away from home remains very fun.
This was a week of consecutive away games so on Saturday 8th February, we headed up to Boston. It was a day of much excitement due to the newness of the ground, the place and the area to lots of us.
It was a slightly convoluted journey up there having to change at Grantham but one of the most fun I’ve ever had. The train from Grantham to Boston was particularly enjoyable as Barnet songs, new and old, blared out of the small train and confused locals looked on.
Once in Boston, we headed to the Magnet Tavern where we drank, took over the jukebox and played pool with varying levels of skill, my attempts left a lot to be desired. It was a very pleasant way to while away the hours before heading to the ground that had echoes of York’s ground.
Soulless, remote and surrounded by fast food outlets; one difference was that this one was not right nearby a swimming pool or a library. If I’m honest I wasn’t the biggest fan of it.
As for the game itself, it was a tad dull. Danny Collinge’s sending off killed it as a contest but despite being down to ten men, we held on with characteristic stoicism and resolve. Brennan’s post-match interview left me bang up for the rest of the season.
The journey home was long but entertaining and humorous; explaining why we were singing Barnet chants at Kings Cross in the late evening to two bemused, but complimentary tourists was a particularly surreal moment.
As aforementioned, following Barnet away from home is truly wonderful and Boston away was the greatest example of it yet.
After this, came a double-header of home games, Solihull Moors at home then York City at home. Solihull Moors at home was a strange game but one we won 3-1. We were good in the first half, then conceded straight after half time but the introduction of Ndlovu energized us and we won the game. Yet another win at home and the perfect way to go into the biggest game of the season.
Tuesday 18th February 2025. An anonymous and meh day to most people but to me and hordes of other Bees fans, it was a day of some enormity. With it being a midweek fixture, the kick-off was 7:45 so it left a rather empty period of time for the nerves to increase and settle.
By the time I was in the Hive bar before kick-off, I was very stressed about the game. Thankfully, a quick trip to the toilet just before the game commenced settled me.
What unfolded was glorious; I’m prone to hyperbole but I think it was the best performance I’ve ever seen from a Barnet team.
We were right up for it; we’ve been prone to letting ourselves down in big games, but this was an absolute masterclass.
From the moment Adebola Oluwo scored our first, it began some of the most fun I’ve ever had at a football match.
The second half was joyous; Lee Ndlovu made it 2-0 and then Anthony Hartigan made it 3-0. The atmosphere epitomized the season we’re having so far, full of belief, hope and positivity. We bullied them and showed that in a league where at the top, money swirls around, team spirit and character is priceless and worth far more than money.
It was one of the best nights I’ve ever had supporting this club, and the journey home was spent dreaming and feeling so happy.
This wonderful journey travelled up to Rochdale the Saturday after whereby we were utterly dominant, to the point it almost felt a bit surreal. Arguably, we weren’t even that good in the first half on a questionable pitch but were still 2-0 up at half time.
Callum Stead scored our first with an industrious goal made from harrying and persistence and then Rhys Browne scored our second with a goal of utter class. A curling finish into the top corner from the edge of the box. God he’s good . Tye second half was equally as good as we increased our lead and won 4-0.
A display of utter dominance on a terrible pitch, and one that served to increase my belief that this might just be our year. Joyous scenes followed at full time, twist and shout got yet another airing and Brennan did his fist pumps.
A great day all round, not even a delay at Doncaster and a cancelled train could detract from the goodness.
We trekked up to greater Manchester again the following Saturday, this time for Oldham away.
Fortunately, I was given a lift to this game so no delays at Doncaster were required, and we parked up after a pleasant and smooth journey. After an enjoyable few hours in a pub nearby to the ground, we headed to the retro Boundary Park and found our spot in the away end. The first half was frustrating but the second was glorious.
Two goals in a minute from Zak Brunt first, and then Callum Stead won the game for us and sparked scenes in the away end. Adebola Oluwo added a third and we celebrated yet another victory. Standing on a chair holding onto a pole singing ‘Twist and Shout’ amongst other songs was a real highlight of the day.
The scenes with the players were very fun too, the recognition of yet another important win. We were able to add the song ’20 games undefeated’ to the repertoire too. The journey home was fine interspersed with a stop at Corley services.
It was yet another thoroughly enjoyable day following the Bees and I am very lucky to be able to follow them all over.
Tuesday night home games returned when we hosted Yeovil Town the following Tuesday and this was a frankly ridiculous performance from the boys in Black and Amber.
We won 5-0 and this included scoring two penalties, this pleased me particularly as we haven’t been awarded anywhere near as many penalties as we should have been this season.
To win so comfortably after two long away trips was particularly impressive, and it was made even better by the fact that York lost to Altrincham and Forest Green lost to Halifax. A pivotal night?
Once again, the mood was great in the ground as people appreciated just how good this team are, they are the best Barnet side I’ve ever seen. Remarkably consistent, beautifully good and just so likeable. Love each and every single one of them.
If the Yeovil game was relaxing, the Saturday lunchtime kick-off the following weekend against Dagenham and Redbridge was anything but that. It was a cagey, tense and fraught affair and a frankly horrible watch underneath a warm sun.
We missed chance after chance, and I worried whether we were going to be frustrated but Lee Ndlovu popped up in the 90th minute and won the game. This prompted bedlam at the Hive, I particularly liked our substitutes running on the pitch.
It was one of those moments that you get in title races, usually at this time of year where you think surely this has to happen. Unusually, for me, I went to the pub after the game and spent several hours drinking, chatting with the players and fellow Bees and soaking up the sun. A draw in the evening game between York and Forest Green helped us too. A day we’ll always remember.
To conclude this ramble, this is the best its ever been. Soak it up, appreciate it and enjoy it. We support a wonderful football club not stained by the cynicism of the Premier League. A glorious season and its heading for a potentially legendary ending.
You Bees x
N Rowland Sports Writer 
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