League action resumes for Gary Johnson’s men on Saturday afternoon, when United head to North London to face Barnet.
Following the Emirates FA Cup replay at Derby County in the week, Gary Johnson’s men return to league action when they hit the road again – this time to face Dean Brennan’s Barnet side at The Hive.
Who’s the Boss?
Having initially been installed as interim Head Coach following the dismissal of previous boss Harry Kewell in September 2021, Irishman Dean Brennan stepped back from his role as Head of Football at The Hive, to fully focus on his permanent position as Barnet boss.
As a player, Brennan represented a whole host of clubs – predominantly in non-League circles – including the likes of Stevenage, Grays and Hemel Hempstead. Upon his retirement in 2012, Dean took his place in the dugout at the latter, with his six-year spell at Vauxhall Road seeing them win promotion to the sixth tier of English football for the first time, as well as reaching the National League South play-offs in 2017/18.
Following his departure from Hemel Hempstead after over 300 matches at the helm, brief spells at Billericay and Kingstonian followed, before Brennan enjoyed much success during his time at Wealdstone. During his time at Grosvenor Vale Brennan guided the Stones to promotion to the National League from the National League South as champions during the curtailed 2019/20 season.
How have they been doing?
The Bees enjoyed a great start to the current campaign with 4 wins in their first 6 fixtures, but their progress was hindered as 5 defeats in 7 games followed. Brennan’s side have picked up form in recent weeks, and come into Saturday’s game following back-to-back victories against Altrincham (2-0) and Oldham (2-0). The North London side currently reside in 7th in the table, occupying the final play-off space after 19 games with the side having won 9, drawn 3 and lost 7 matches so far this season.
Player to Watch
29-year-old Nicke Kabamba has impressed for the Bees since arriving on a permanent deal following his departure from League Two side Northampton Town in the summer. An ever-present in Brennan’s side so far this season, the 6″3 forward has scored 10 goals in 19 games in the league.
Kabamba previously spent time at Woking on loan last season where he made 21 appearances and scored 3 goals. The 29-year-old began his career at Hayes & Yeading before spending two seasons at Uxbridge, scoring 18 goals in 59 appearances. A successful stint at Hampton & Richmond Borough followed in 2015, where the striker went on to become the club’s top scorer at the conclusion of the 2015/16 season.
Kabamba then went on to play for the likes of Portsmouth, Colchester United, Aldershot Town, Havant & Waterlooville, Hartlepool United, Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock and Northampton Town.
Played for Both
Former United fan-favourite Ben Wynter departed Plainmoor for The Hive over the summer, following a four-season stay in the English Riviera. Wynter made over 150 appearances for United and scored 9 goals, with his goal in the club’s 3-3 draw at Woking in April 2019 in the National League South title race being etched in the memory of many United supporters.
In his second season at Plainmoor, Wynter was awarded Young Player of the Season and in 2020/21 was part of the side that made the National League Play-Off Final. Last season the right-back was awarded international honours after being called up to the England C squad.
Since departing, the 24-year-old has gone on to establish himself as an ever-present at Barnet, and has got himself on the scoresheet twice in 19 league appearances so far, as well as being the side’s goalscorer in Barnet’s 1-1 Emirates FA Cup draw against Chelmsford City recently.
Previous Encounter
Barnet 0 – 2 Torquay United, 30th January 2021, National League.
A goal in each half for Gary Johnson’s side saw United run out 2-0 winners when the side went to The Hive in January 2021. Ben Whitfield established the lead in the 8th minute, before an 83rd minute strike by Jake Andrews secured the points. The victory also marked a fourth successive clean-sheet for the side.
In a dominant performance, United went close to taking the lead within the first 90 seconds after a moment of indecision in the home defence enabled Joe Lewis to drive forward, before his cross towards the back-post saw goalkeeper Scott Loach just do enough to deny a number of lurking Torquay forwards, and the Barnet defence intervening to keep the ball out.
However supporters didn’t have wait to long before it was 1-0 to United. Asa Hall played Whitfield down the middle before the winger went on to bear down on goal, leaving defenders in his wake, and just the goalkeeper to beat. Whitfield fired a low and firm strike into the bottom corner, 1-0.
Gary Johnson’s men continued to press, and were able to break through again on 83 minutes through Andrews. Adam Randell held onto possession well before picking out Andrews from 20 yards out, who drove the ball below Loach’s outstretched palm to double the advantage, 2-0.
Barnet v Torquay United | Saturday 19th November 2022 3pm | Vanarama National League | OFFICIAL TUFC RADIO