Matt Cox’s Shrewsbury Return
Matt Cox, the 23-year-old goalkeeper on a season-long loan at Barnet, is set to face his former club Shrewsbury Town this weekend in a League Two home opener. Cox joined Shrewsbury on loan from Brentford in January, keeping 18 consecutive clean sheets and playing a key role in the club’s battle for survival.
A Familiar Face for Shrewsbury
During the late-January fixture against Barnet, Cox produced a string of important saves in a 0-0 draw. He was named man of the match and later reflected, “I think I got man of the match in that game, so I was quite pleased with how I did.” Shrewsbury’s players, management and supporters will be keenly aware of the challenge he presents when he steps back onto the Croud Meadow.
Barnet’s Ambitious Season
Cox joined Barnet on a season-long loan this summer, continuing to build his senior experience after previous spells in the Football League, including with Salop. He is determined to help Barnet go one better after the club narrowly missed out on the League Two play-offs last season. “This is a really ambitious club which has definitely been heading in the right direction,” Cox said. “Following and seeing results, and the way the club has been playing in the past couple of years, it is very attractive for me to come to and help this club and achieve its dreams of going up.”
Recent Form
Cox featured in Barnet’s opening league game of the season, a 3-1 victory over Salford City. The Bees have also built momentum after beating Arsenal Under-21s 5-1 in the EFL Trophy in midweek, with former Walsall forward Tom Knowles scoring the first hat-trick of his career. Cox watched from the bench as Knowles’ hat-trick helped secure the win.
Looking Ahead
Barnet will be hoping their goalscoring form continues at the Croud Meadow this weekend as they face Shrewsbury Town. Cox’s experience between the sticks will be key in a match that could set the tone for the rest of the season.
