Dean Brennan was delighted with the “character and togetherness” his side exhibited after Barnet moved within four points of the League Two play-offs with a crushing 5-2 win over Fleetwood Town.
The north London club put in a relentless attacking display and were more than worthy winners in a rout helped by Fleetwood defender Shaun Rooney’s red card on the stroke of half-time.
Callum Stead and Anthony Hartigan put the Bees in command before Fleetwood somehow restored parity when Harrison Neal and Mark Helm both struck to level the scoreline.
Kabongo Tshimanga then added a late double – one from the spot after being brought down in Fleetwood’s penalty area – then finishing well just two minutes later before substitute Diallang Jaiyesimi put the gloss on the result.
Speaking to Barnet TV post-match, Brennan said: “I’m delighted with the victory. It’s results time, so the main thing is to get the result. I just think from our point of view, we showed good character and togetherness. We kept stepping forward, even when we were 2-0 up and they got it back to 2-2. We had a little bit of ammunition off the bench.
“I thought Kane (Smith) and DJ (Diallang Jaiyesimi) both made a huge difference coming off the bench. They both made differences in the game when they (Fleetwood) got it back to 2-2.”
Brennan felt that the hosts started as the better side after being allowed space in the middle of the pitch and in behind Barnet’s backline, but a tactical shift early on seemed to swing the momentum back in the Bees’ favour.
“I thought they started a tiny bit brighter than us. We were a little bit exposed at the back,” said the Barnet manager. “We started with a four, but we had to change to a three because their two centre-forwards were giving us some problems.
“We addressed that after 25 minutes. We were just too open on an away day, and we had to get to the later stages of the game. I’d like us to manage the game a little bit better, as we started really gung-ho in the game. Away from home, I’d like us to just be a little bit more streetwise.”
Fleetwood’s bench were up in arms after Shaun Rooney was dismissed by referee Declan Bourne for a high challenge on Barnet’s Ryan Glover, but replays showed the damage done to Glover’s lower leg as Rooney’s red card was upheld.
“I know their bench wasn't particularly happy, but when you see Glover’s leg, it’s the top of the shin and below the knee. There were stud prints on that, so I think when the referee came over to assess Ryan, he could see the damage that was done,” said Brennan.
“It’s a bad tackle, so Ryan is lucky that his leg wasn’t in a standing position, as it would have broken his leg. It was good officiating in my opinion.”
Now in a position to chase down those above them with a play-off place firmly in reach, Brennan challenged his players to squeeze the margins even tighter and finish the season with a sole focus on winning.
Speaking on the challenge that lies ahead of his team, Brennan defiantly added: “We’re doing okay, but I still think we should be doing better. Even today, the second half was much stronger for us to go and get four goals in that period.
“To give two goals up the way we did was so naive and so frustrating. We’re looking for leaders.”
Barnet host Barrow at The Hive on Saturday, 11th April, before travelling to Notts County a week later as their pursuit of an unlikely play-off push intensifies.
Share