Barnet entertain Cheltenham Town tomorrow in League Two still looking for their first win this season. A draw at home to Bury last Saturday was at least a huge improvement on the previous Saturday’s 7-0 defeat at Crewe, but it still left the Bees at the foot of the League Two table. During the week, Mark Stimson added to the squad with the signing of Sutton United striker, Charlie Taylor, but it is difficult to know how much of an immediate impact he will have on the side, even supposing that he starts tomorrow.
Cheltenham Town are currently in 6th place after their 2-1 home win over Burton Albion. They drew 1-1 on the opening day of the season at Gillingham and then beat Crewe, 3-2 at Whaddon Road, before losing 6-4 at Rotherham. Former Dagenham 7 Redbridge striker, Wesley Thomas is in red hot form at the moment having already notched up 5 goals so far this season. On loan winger, Shaun Jeffers has looked impressive too and set up both Cheltenham goals against Burton last Saturday. The Robins have added midfield player, Marlon Pack who has joined on loan from Portsmouth. Defender, Martin Riley misses the game with a hamstring injury.
Mark Stimson could have a fully fit squad to choose from tomorrow as Steve Kabba could play some part in the match after missing the last four matches after being injured on the opening day at Chesterfield. If he starts, he could from a new front two with Charlie Taylor, with Holmes and Marshall perhaps on the flanks to provide them with a service. The starting line up could look something like this:
Cole
Devera, Dennehy, Uddin, Parkes
Marshall, Jarvis, Southam, Holmes
Kabba, Taylor
However, Stimson may keep faith with Daniel Leach at left back. Leach was at fault for Bury’s goal last Saturday but otherwise had a very good game. If Stimson does go for Marshall and Holmes to start he will have a number of players to choose from in midfield including Mark Byrne, Mark Hughes and Glenn Poole. Poole may possibly start the game on the left with Holmes either on the bench or possibly starting up front alongside Kabba. If he does start, hopefully he will not play as wide and deep as he did against Bury so that he can use his evident flair in and around the penalty area more.
Meanwhile, Barnet's promising young centre back, Reece Yorke has joined Ryman League Division One North club, Harlow Town on a month's loan.
Because Barnet have such a new look team and they are still gelling together and Mark Stimson is still working on what is his best line up, it is a bit difficult to make match predictions, but if Barnet can build on the improvement of last Saturday and if Kabba starts, then it should not be too much above expectations for the Bees to win their first match of the season tomorrow. Ever optimistically, Barnet Mad will go for a 2-1 home win.