Barnet manager Dean Brennan heaped praise on the progress of winger Idris Kanu after the winger added a late third to send the Bees top of League Two with a 3-1 win over Fleetwood Town.
Goals from Kabongo Tshimanga, Charlie Lakin and Idris Kanu saw the Bees return to the summit of League Two, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season with a blistering attacking performance.
“The first half was an extremely even game. I think a draw at half-time was probably a fair result, but we upped the anti in the second half, and we have them very limited chances,” Brennan told BBC Radio London post-match.
“In the second half, we were on the front foot more. We turned them more, and we played forward. We had numerous chances to go and really score a couple more.”
The match-winning displays of Tshimanga, Kanu and co didn’t go unnoticed, as Brennan heaped praise on the attacking functions of his side.
“Since January, the front line has been amazing. Since Kabi Tshimanga has come into the football club, he has set the bar. Now, Lakin is following, and Kanu’s following,” said the Barnet boss.
Idris Kanu added the third with a clever late run into the box before tapping in to an empty net. Brennan, who has shown past frustrations with Kanu for a lack of output, explained how he has managed to get the best out of the winger.
“I’m so proud of Kanu and his goal. We’ve worked on him running towards goal without the ball, and I call that the kill zone, where the money is. He wouldn’t have run in there six months ago; every day we are working on these things and the one per cent margins,” he said.
“I’m delighted for Idris, and I’m so proud of him because he is one of our longest-serving players. When the bar has been raised at this football club over the last five years since I’ve been here, he’s come with the bar, and that is what it takes (to be successful).”
Barnet’s start to the League Two season is of an unprecedented nature in the club's history. Since returning to the fourth tier after winning the National League in 2025, the Bees are yet to lose a game and sit top of League Two with six wins from ten.
When asked if Barnet’s league position produces a different degree of pressure, Brennan responded, "Nah, not at all. We're on top of the table. I’m buzzing; our supporters are buzzing. We can enjoy our weekend.
“I’ll watch the game back this evening, and I might get a curry tonight,” he joked. “From our point of view we are buzzing to be at the top of the table. It’s been a long, long time (since being top of League Two) if ever under this chairman. I don’t think we’ve ever been this long at the top of the table.”
Barnet’s Nnamdi Ofoborh was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away in the 85th minute, but Brennan didn’t show any intention to lambast the midfielder.
“It’s a sending-off. The laws now are the rules. It’s just naive from Nnamdi, who’s an experienced player, but we’ll forgive him for that. We’ll put our arm around him and he’ll be fine for our football club,” Brennan added.
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