A crucial 3-1 win over National League title rivals York City breathed new life into Barnet’s chase for promotion to the EFL as manager Dean Brennan defiantly backed his players to get the club over the line this season.
Lindokuhle Ndlovu’s third goal in two games doubled the Bees’ lead early in the second half after Adebola Oluwo’s header had opened the scoring after 16 minutes.
Brennan’s side then put the game to bed through Anthony Hartigan before the visitors responded with a late consolation.
“First and foremost, the three points are the most pivotal thing for us. I know our players give their all today, and we changed the system,” Brennan told the club’s media channel.
“We made them defend, we got after them, and we attacked their backline. I thought we should have been three or four-nil up at half-time.
"I asked the players if they could go out in the second half and make that happen, and they did. The bit at the end (York’s goal) is just a little bit sour.”
Barnet’s season has been blighted by injuries to key players, but a suspension to talisman Danny Collinge irked the Bees’ boss along with his lack of options from the bench.
“I’ve had to put technical players on when I need runners. All my runners are injured. I’ve got all these problems, and I’m putting Billy Clifford on as a technician,” said a fired-up Brennan.
“I have to take Li (Ndlovu) off because his legs are gone. The minute he goes off, the kick goes up, and it don’t stick.
“I had to play my wingers in midfield. Imagine that in a title race. It’s brilliant,” he added sarcastically.
“I’m delighted for our supporters. My feet are firmly on the ground and we’ll be moving on to the next game.”
With issues seemingly piling up for Brennan at just the wrong time, he was keen to point out just how hard his players had worked to secure victory on Tuesday.
“Look at (Ryan) Glover tonight. He came off with a cramp. Two players came off with cramp - that means they emptied the tank for this badge and for the football club,” the boss continued.
“That’s what our players are prepared to do. To me, that tells you everything that’s needed and that needs to happen over the next 13 games, and we need to have no excuses in any department.
“What about (Rhys) Browne today. He was good as well, wasn’t he? (Callum) Stead - you see the energy they gave us. The running power, it was so good.
"Our goalie (Toby Savin) hasn’t trained with us. We’re going for a title, and we’re trying to get promoted to the EFL.
“It’s not a bad victory,” Brennan said, ironically.
Now seven points clear at the top of the National League, Barnet travel to Rochdale this weekend as they look to pull further way from their title competitors in the race for promotion to League Two.
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