Barnet’s promotion bid in the Skrill Premier is up and running and they did it in style. A 3-0 win against a strong Chester side in the first competitive game at their new home, The Hive.

A Luke Gambin strike and a brace from Jake Hyde settled the Bees’ season opener.

There will be no more talk of a relegation hangover.

Gambin’s goal was well taken while Hyde’s double proved the striker’s transfer request earlier in the summer hasn’t affected his performances and desire. 

The afternoon started with a surprise however. No Edgar Davids in the Barnet squad. The Dutchman was fully focused on his managerial responsibilities.

Chester started the game brightly and worked hard to close down the Bees midfield. Their first effort on goal came from Danny Harrison but he dragged his strike wide before Gareth Seddon had a shot well blocked.

After a nervy start, Barnet settled and began to threaten the Blues goal. Keanu Marsh-Brown caused Kevin McIntyre several problems throughout the opening 45 minutes and he crossed for Curtis Weston who could only shoot over.

Elliot Johnson almost broke the deadlock with an effort from 30 yards which just missed the post before Marsh-Brown forced Chester goalkeeper John Danby into a reflex save.

The visitors did look strong from set-pieces but confident goalkeeping from Graham Stack and good defensive work meant Chester rarely had a clear sight of the Bees goal.

The final chance of the half fell to the Bees. Marsh-Brown was again the provider as he cut the ball back to Hyde.

The striker scuffed his shot but the ball fell to Mark Byrne whose close range effort was blocked.

Barnet hadn’t been at their best in the first half but 46 seconds after the restart they went ahead.

Byrne played a pass into the feet of Hyde. His shot was deflected to Gambin and the diminutive winger took a touch past Michael Kay before coolly slotting past Danby.

The Bees then took control of the contest and the midfield trio of Byrne, Roberto Casabella and Weston dominated possession.

Barnet looked likely to add a second and just after the hour they did. A fine pass from Casabella freed Byrne down the right flank, he fired a low cross into the penalty area and Hyde tapped past the helpless Danby.

The Bees confidence grew throughout the half and they created several chances to add to their lead. Marsh-Brown had a shot saved before Weston also forced the Chester goalkeeper into a low stop.

Marsh-Brown was replaced by Luisma Villa midway through the half and the Spaniard made an immediate impact.

After collecting the ball in midfield he ran at the Chester backline. Two defenders were drawn out and he slipped a pass to Hyde.

The striker’s first touch was perfect and he dinked the ball over the advancing Danby to put Barnet three goals ahead.

Davids’ side seemed to coast home in the final ten minutes and Chester, for the first time in the second period, came close to finding the net.

Seddon pulled a shot wide before Harrison headed narrowly over from close range.

In truth the Bees were comfortable once they had gone ahead. Further tests will come in the next few weeks to ascertain whether Barnet will be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.

But one down. Just 45 more to go.

Barnet: Stack; Yiadom, Stephens, Saville, Johsnon; Casabella, Byrne, Weston; Marsh-Brown (Luisma 68), Gambin (Mengerink 77), Hyde (Crawford 83).

Barnet substitutes: Crawford, Vilhete, Luisma, Mengerink, Jupp.

Chester: Danby, Kay, McIntye Horan, Linwood, Harrison, Reed (Mills 60), Jarrett (N.Turner 68), Seddon, Lindfield, Mahon (Williams 83).

Chester substitutes: Fearon, Mills, Williams, N. Turner, L. Turner.