Out-of-favour duo Mauro Vilhete and Ben Tomlinson were both on target as Barnet’s Development Team beat Nike Academy 3-2 at The Hive this afternoon.
The pair were joined by another senior player, Shaun Batt, in the starting XI. Nicky Bailey was brought on at half-time for the Bees.
Speaking to the club website, assistant head coach Gary Waddock said: “It been a fantastic exercise for us to play against the Nike Academy.
“It’s been good for the senior lads to get minutes under their belt, and obviously for the younger players as well.
“It’s been a very positive afternoon. There was a very good tempo to the game.
“From start to finish our attitude, work rate and commitment has been first class.
“The senior players have approached it in the right way – they’ve been very professional with their performance.
“You’ve also got to give credit to the Nike Academy, with the way that they’ve played and conducted themselves as well.
“As the score line suggests, it’s been action packed match as well. It was a good all-round game with both teams playing a part.”
Matt Stevens put Barnet in front midway through the first half but the visitors levelled after the break.
Tomlinson, who has returned to the club after completing a loan spell at Grimsby Town, put the Bees back in front from the penalty spot following a handball.
Sean Clare was then sent off for Nike Academy but the away side drew level through Bilal Sayoud to make it 2-2.
Nike Academy might have gone in front but Barnet’s substitute keeper, Raven Constable, saved a penalty.
And Barnet then stole the win with a header from Vilhete.
Barnet starting XI: McKenzie-Lyle; Odofin, Kennedy, Roache, Ocran; Nwogu, Vilhete, Fonguck, Batt; Tomlinson, Stevens.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here