The Vanarama View: 5 Key Things From Barnet v York City

With 13 games to go, the Bees’ destiny is very much in their own hands. Ten years on from their record-breaking third National League title, Dean Brennan’s side must be considered favourites to clinch their fourth crown at this level.

Tom Bodell from title sponsors Vanarama was at a packed Hive to witness a superb 90-minute display from the North London side. Here are five things he learned.

1. Even injuries can’t unsettle this Barnet side

The Bees might not have the same spending power as some of their title rivals but don’t let that fool you. Brennan’s impressive recruitment has given the leaders a squad with depth many could only envy – even when key players are missing.

Goalkeeper Owen Evans, who had conceded just once in six league games after joining on loan from Cheltenham Town, was a late absentee for City’s visit. Brennan revealed afterwards he had spent his Sunday searching for a replacement. That turned out to be Shrewsbury Town’s Toby Savin, whose arrival was announced just an hour before kick-off.

It mattered not, as Savin put in an assured display between the sticks, though York hardly tested his shot-stopping ability in a lacklustre display. Further forward, Mark Shelton’s absence had the potential to be a big miss. But it wasn’t...

2. Ryan Glover – one of the signings of the season?

That’s because former Aldershot Town winger-cum-wing-back Ryan Glover stepped into the centre of midfield to deliver a tireless display.

Glover only signed for the Bees on August 24 after spending the summer at the Professional Footballers’ Association off-season training camp for free agents.

Brennan clearly saw something in the 24-year-old, who has become an integral part of this season – usually on the flank in Barnet’s preferred 3-4-2-1 shape. But last night, Glover was shifted inside and with great effect, working his socks off before being withdrawn with cramp – it was little surprise.

3. Bees improve despite selling talisman

Few teams would countenance parting with their top scorer midway through the season. Barnet did exactly that and they are thriving because of that bold call.

Striker Nicke Kabamba had scored 10 times in just 13 Vanarama National League starts during an injury affected season. He’d bagged 25 and 19 in the two previous league campaigns and when Bromley came calling, he joined last season’s Promotion Final winners.

Barnet pivoted and signed Boreham Wood hitman Lee Ndlovu. He is an entirely different sort of striker, lauded for his physical attributes. With Ndlovu up front, Barnet have a focal point, a line leader and an underrated finisher.

He struck twice off the bench to change the game against Solihull Moors on Saturday and converted another smart finish to make it two against the Minstermen. But it was his all-round display that caught the eye. Selfless, intelligent and utterly dominant. York had no answer, and he made the ball stick up front repeatedly.

4. No answer to York’s striking department

The division’s top scorer Ollie Pearce kept his place after a match-winning brace at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, which meant another watching brief for big January signing Josh Stones.

However, the former Wigan Athletic striker was pressed into action when midfield metronome Dan Batty came off in the first half.

Together, Stones and Pearce have started just two Vanarama National League games – losing both. Former Worthing hitman Pearce is more than just a prolific goal scorer. He works hard out of possession, is happy to run the channels and make space for others.

But their partnership is clearly going to take time to develop. Once it does, York will have a strike duo that will be the envy of the rest of the division. Talisman Lenell John-Lewis came on at half time and there’s the (currently injured) Dipo Akinyemi on the books too.

Adam Hinshelwood will have to find a way to get the best out of them all – in this division, or EFL League Two.

5. Bees’ tactical flexibility sees out the win

Barnet had been dominant at 1-0 and should have been further ahead. The impish Rhys Browne saw a gilt-edged opportunity go awry while York keeper Harrison Male had a night to forget.

But Brennan made the switch to a back four with Joe Grimwood – previously on the right of the three – at right-back and Myles Kenlock on the left. Nik Tavares, a centre-half-cum-midfielder, dropped into the backline.

Callum Stead, usually deployed as one of the dual No.10s, dropped into right midfield with the aforementioned Glover partnering skipper Anthony Hartigan in the engine room.

The result? York hardly mustered up an effort of note from that point, until Malachi Fagan-Walcott's late consolation. Their total expected goals value (xG) for the game was 1.19 and Savin – despite his name! – did not have a save to make on his Bees debut.

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