Attack minded Ian Hendon is looking forward to tomorrow's first round Carling Cup tie against Championship near neighbours Watford with the message to supporters: "It's difficult...but not impossible".
Hendon, who thought that the Bees deserved at least a point at Lincoln City at the weekend after a scintillating first half in which they dominated their opponents, admits: "If we give of our best we may have a chance but really, playing against Championship players, we couldn't ask for a tougher test".
The fact that Lincoln goalkeeper Rob Burch was voted Man of the Match tells something about the way the game went.
Hendon is buoyed by games against higher opposition in the pre-season friendlies ... the Bees did well against Arsenal, Charlton Athletic and Southend United.
Although he appreciates that pre-season games are different to a Derby game against Barnet's Hertfordshire rivals, he feels that his players gained experience of playing against higher league opposition.
In his programme notes for tomorrows match he adds: "I set my teams out to win every game", he said."I have been part of teams that have gone out to sit back, get plenty of men behind the ball, all in the hope that we might nick a result. I like to be more positive than that".
As on Saturday, Hendon has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with the exception of John O'Flynn and Gary Breen, and there are unlikely to be many changes. The manager praised debutants Ryan O'Neill, Daniel Leach and Albert Jarrett and skipper Micah Hyde for an almost faultless performance.
Watford have sold most of their allocation of 1,200 tickets and Hendon is expecting a good atmosphere under the Underhill lights.
The manager says that he is looking for a good Cup run to generate finance so that he might be able to strengthen the team.
The 233 Barnet fans at Lincoln were in good voice and were praised by Hendon and skipper Micah Hyde.
They are hoping that the home support will get behind the team tomorrow and try and give the players a boost towards a Cup run.
Dennis Signy and David Bloomfield
