Barnet began December in 20th place with just 5 points from the previous eight games. Obviously, it was vital for things to improve for the Bees if they were not to be dragged into the middle of a relegation battle.
Barnet traveled to bottom of the table
The next game, at home to Gillingham, saw a much improved performance and the Bees were maybe a bit unlucky not to take all three points but having to settle for a 2-2 draw with the visitors scoring a late equalizer. Michael Leary and John O'Flynn scored the goals for Barnet. French defender, Jeremy de Magalhaes played in what was to turn out to be his last game for the club.
There was news of a new signing in former Republic of Ireland defender, Gary Breen and he made his Bees' debut the following Saturday at Darlington and he was to prove an important signing for Barnet, having an important long term effect on the Bees' defence. Barnet gained a fine 2-2 draw at promotion chasing
However, Barnet were still not winning games and the odd point was not really enough with just 7 points having been taken from the last 11 matches. By the time, Barnet faced newly promoted Aldershot at Underhill on Boxing Day, Bournemouth, 23rd place, were only 9 points adrift, while Rotherham, another of the League Two clubs to suffer a points deduction, were just 3 points behind with a game in hand.
Barnet's performance against
Ironically, Barnet, who had slumped to 21st in the table, behind
The new year started with a new manager in Ian Hendon and two new experienced arrivals in former Chelsea and QPR striker, Paul Furlong on loan from Southend and former Crystal Palace midfield player, Tommy Black on a short term contract. Both played in Hendon's first match as manager, a 1-0 defeat way at Bury.
This was followed by a dour 1-1 home draw against Dagenham & Redbridge, with John O'Flynn scoring for the Bees. Michael Leary was sent off much to the anger of Ian Hendon. The defence looked a lot sounder under Hendon with Gary Breen's influence starting to show, particularly in the improved form of Ismail Yakubu. On loan centre back, Michael Townsend, returned to
Hendon signed young winger, Yannick Bolasie from Plymouth Argyle and this was to finally address the long standing problem of the left side of midfield, where Jason Puncheon, who had departed the previous summer, had never really been replaced. It was important that Barnet started to score more goals as the team still weren't wining games, even if the defence looked a lot better. It was not helped when the following Saturday, after Paul Furlong's first goal for the club had put Barnet 1-0 up at Accrington, left back, Kenny Gillet, newly appointed as captain, was sent off soon after. In the circumstances, Barnet did well to get anything out of the game, the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Another draw followed at home to Shrewsbury Town, the match finishing goalless and the month ended with a 2-1 defeat at Exeter, Hendon furious again with Michael Leary who had taken, and missed, a penalty that cost the Bees a point. Hendon explained that Leary should not have taken the penalty as John O'Flynn was the nominated penalty take
Barnet ended January 21st, 10 points above the relegation zone. Despite the defence looking much stronger and the team generally playing better, the Bees had taken just three points from five games under Hendon, who had yet to taste a victory as Barnet manager. Moreover, the win at Bournemouth in December was the only success for the Bees since the 4-3 win at