Danny Collinge's second-half header earned Barnet a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cambridge United at The Hive. The win marks consecutive successes against teams with automatic promotion ambitions and strengthens the Bees' own position near the top of League Two.
Barnet began this match sitting second in the table with eight points from four games, their recent form reading DDWW. They are just one point behind leaders Bristol Rovers in a tight early title race, having scored nine goals while conceding five so far this campaign. Manager Dean Brennan made one change from the side that beat MK Dons, with Phillip Chinedu starting his third game as Idris Kanu was away on international duty. Youngster Bright Siaw was named on a league matchday squad for the first time.
The first half was a cagey affair heavily influenced by strong winds. Barnet won an early corner and Mark Shelton delivered several set-pieces, but neither side managed a shot on target before the break. Nik Tavares and Romoney Crichlow combined in one promising move, but Collinge's effort from the edge of the area sailed over. Cambridge progressed into Barnet's area a few times but failed to test goalkeeper Cieran Slicker.
The breakthrough came just four minutes after the restart. Shelton whipped a corner to the near post and Collinge rose highest to power a header home for his second goal in two matches. The defender's 49th-minute strike proved decisive in a match of few clear chances.
Barnet had opportunities to extend their lead. Callum Stead rounded the goalkeeper after a defensive mix-up but couldn't find the net. Adam Senior later threaded a fine pass through to Kabongo Tshimanga, which was cleared for a corner. At the 70-minute mark, Nnamdi Ofoborh delivered a powerful cross into the box aimed at Tshimanga, but the connection wasn't made and the ball went out for a goal-kick.
Cambridge United's only shot on target arrived in the final ten minutes. Glenn McConnell took a free-kick from a tight angle that Slicker did well to parry away. Brennan made a double substitution with three minutes remaining, bringing on Oli Hawkins and Joe Kizzi for Tshimanga and Ryan Glover. Diallang Jaiyesimi had earlier replaced Chinedu. After four minutes of added time, referee Martin Woods blew for full-time.
The victory solidifies Barnet's impressive early-season form. With six games remaining at the time of this match, the three points were vital. The team's defensive resilience was key, recording a clean sheet against a capable opponent.
Brennan's side demonstrated they can grind out results, a necessary trait for any team with promotion aspirations. The manager will be pleased with contributions across the pitch, from Collinge's winner to Slicker's late save. Fans can check the full squad list to see all players available for the challenges ahead.
The starting line-up was Slicker; Collinge, Senior, Stead, Glover; Shelton, Tshimanga, Chinedu, Crichlow, Tavares, Ofoborh. Substitutes Hawkins and Kizzi came on in the 87th minute, while Jaiyesimi replaced Chinedu after 77 minutes. An attendance of 4,410 at The Hive included 1,800 visiting supporters.
