Derby Day and Barnet will be desperate to turn their form around as Dean Brennan’s side take on Wealdstone tomorrow at 3pm.
So, what’s the Buzz?
The Bees have been far from their best in recent weeks after three losses on the trot. That said, Barnet still sits second in the league, and will want to return to winning ways tomorrow. When asked about positives after the previous home loss to Oldham Athletic, Dean Brennan explained that despite the defeat, Barnet “have so many good phases, so many good areas”, which is something Bees fans will want to see again tomorrow.
Assistant manager Connor Smith also highlighted the positives, adding that against Oldham, “For the first 60 minutes, we dominated and didn’t really give up a chance”
He finally added that Barnet have a fully fit squad ahead of the game.
Club Profile
Club Name: Wealdstone Football Club
Nickname: The Stones
Founded: 1899
Ground: Grosvenor Vale
Manager: Stuart Maynard
League Position: 16th
Form: DWLWL
Opposition Report
Having kept the scoring in their games low at the start of the season, Wealdstone’s last five games have seen 18 goals, yet they’ve still conceded the third least amount in the bottom half of the table on 28, four more than Barnet.
Despite sitting in 16th place, Wealdstone try to play attractive football, progressing the ball well. Speaking ahead of the fixture, assistant manager Connor Smith explained that, “they’re a good side, a possession-based team” and that “it’s not an easy place to go.”
One to Watch: Sam Bowen
On loan from League Two side, Newport County, Sam Bowen has scored five goals so far this season. The Wales u-21 international often plays in the number 10 role and will look to hurt Barnet as tomorrow afternoon.
In the Dugout: Stuart Maynard
Since starting his first head managerial job, Stuart Maynard has seen his Wealdstone side finish 19th, 16th and 13th, and will want to improve on that this year.
Tomorrow will be far from the first meeting between Maynard and Dean Brennan, with the pair working together at Hemel Hempstead, Billericay Town, Kingstonian, and Wealdstone in the past, before Brennan went on to become Barnet manager.
Having struggled away from home this season, Wealdstone have only lost one of their 10 home games, and in his pre-match interview, Maynard emphasised the importance of maintaining this, saying, “We need to make sure it’s very hostile come Saturday”.
