They recovered from an early concession.
Barnet Extend Perfect Home Run with a 3-1 Triumph Over Braintree
Barnet showcased their dominance once again at The Hive, extending their flawless home record with a 3-1 victory over Braintree. This win propelled Barnet to third place in the National League table, and despite a shaky start, the Bees demonstrated resilience and control throughout the match. The game had no shortage of drama, with an early goal from Braintree's John Akinde and an all-around commanding response from Barnet, who turned the tide to secure another valuable three points.
Braintree’s Lightning Start
The match couldn't have started better for Braintree as their star forward, John Akinde, wasted no time making his mark. Just seconds after the opening whistle, Akinde, playing against his former club, used his blistering pace to surge down the right flank. With precision and confidence, he arrowed a low shot into the bottom corner, leaving Barnet stunned. The early blow seemed to give Braintree the upper hand, if only for a brief moment, as they sought to unsettle Barnet's typically solid home form.
Barnet’s Swift Response
Barnet, however, were not fazed by the early setback. They gathered themselves quickly and, just minutes later, Mark Shelton leveled the scoreline. A well-timed run saw Shelton break free in the box, and with composure, he slotted the ball past Braintree's goalkeeper to make it 1-1 in the fourth minute. The equalizer reignited the home crowd, and Barnet began to assert their dominance on the pitch.
Just 12 minutes later, Callum Stead put the Bees in front. Stead, who was a constant menace for Braintree’s defense, met a perfectly placed cross and headed the ball into the back of the net, giving Barnet a 2-1 lead. The momentum had swung completely in favor of the home side, and it was evident that they were keen to add to their advantage.
Barnet in Control
With the lead in hand, Barnet dictated the tempo of the game. Their fluid passing and relentless pressing kept Braintree on the back foot. Callum Stead nearly extended Barnet's lead in the second half when his effort struck the post, narrowly missing what would have been his second goal of the game. The Bees were in full control, pinning Braintree deep into their own half and limiting their chances to get back into the contest.
Braintree had one golden opportunity to equalize when Inih Effiong's shot was blocked at the last second by Barnet’s defense. The visitors also felt hard done by when their appeals for a penalty were waved away after Callum Powell appeared to be bundled over in the box. Despite their protests, the referee was unmoved, and Braintree’s chance to draw level slipped away.
Langston’s Own Goal Seals the Deal
As the match entered its final stages, Barnet showed no signs of complacency. With seven minutes left on the clock, they put the game beyond doubt. A dangerous cross from Zak Brunt into the penalty area caused panic in the Braintree defense, and in a cruel twist of fate, visiting captain George Langston inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. The own goal sealed a 3-1 victory for Barnet, ensuring their perfect home record remained intact.
Editor’s Insight: Barnet’s Title Contenders?
Barnet’s performance was a testament to their growing confidence and ambition this season. After being rattled early by Akinde’s opener, their ability to rally, regroup, and take control of the game shows their mental toughness and quality across the pitch. The combination of experienced players like Mark Shelton, coupled with the youthful energy of Callum Stead, gives Barnet a balanced squad capable of challenging for promotion.
The team’s flawless home form will certainly be a key asset as they continue their campaign. Manager Dean Brennan can take pride in the resilience his side displayed after going behind, and it’s clear Barnet have the firepower and stability needed to remain in contention at the top end of the table.
For Braintree, it was a case of missed opportunities and hard luck. Akinde’s early goal should have been the foundation for a more competitive outing, but Barnet’s response was simply too strong. The turning down of their penalty appeals will sting, but ultimately, Barnet’s dominance in possession and execution made the difference.
