Games against those around you are the ones you need to win if you’re near the bottom of a league table. So Barnet will be delighted to have claimed a 2-1 victory against rock bottom Northampton Town.
An early first half goal from Adebayo Akinfenwa had put the Cobblers ahead but goals from Mark Byrne and Ricky Holmes meant the Bees secured an important three points at Sixfields.
There was a surprise in the Barnet line up as Mark Marshall was not included in the Bees squad. Byrne came into the starting XI in the Bees only change from the 3-0 win against Accrington Stanley.
Northampton have tended to start games well this season but they nearly fell behind in the opening two minutes as a long ball over the defence found Izale McLeod.
On loan Leicester keeper Chris Weale made the decision to come out and meet the striker and it was the right choice as he blocked well.
The strong wind was with Northampton during the first 45 minutes and it certainly played a part in the opening goal.
After a sustained period of pressure the Cobblers earned a corner. The in-swinging delivery dropped right into the goalmouth and Akinfenwa held off the challenge of Bees keeper Brill to head home.
Barnet felt there was a foul on the Brill but their protests were waved away by referee Jock Waugh and the goal stood.
Both sides tried to use the conditions to their advantage by hitting the ball long but were unable to create a clear chance on goal.
Cobblers’ skipper John Johnson came close with a 30 yard free kick before Barnet created their first chance of the game.
Sam Deering collected the ball and dribbled into the Northampton box. His cut back allowed Ricky Holmes to send a strike goalwards but his effort was well blocked. The hosts looked dangerous on the counter with the pace of Saido Berahino and Lewis Young, although they were not forcing Brill into action.
It was a first half devoid of many opportunities, especially for the Bees. McLeod looked isolated up front and Barnet were missing the direct running of Marshall.
Although Barnet went in behind at the break they will have been hoping for more in the second period as the wind would be on their side.
Lawrie Sanchez’s side kicked off the second period and very quickly took control of possession.
The Bees looked likely to find an early equaliser and drew level through a fantastic long range strike from Byrne.
A Barnet attack was half cleared to the edge of the box and the ball rolled to Byrne who curled his shot into the right hand corner of Weale’s goal.
The hosts looked shaken by the goal and Sanchez’s side increased their pressure.
However, the Cobblers should have gone back ahead when a curling cross found Akinfenwa unmarked six yards from goal.
Fortunately for Barnet his header wasn’t the best and Brill claimed the ball comfortably.
The Bees keeper quickly kicked the ball upfield and McLeod had a great chance to put the Bees in front.
The League Two top scorer managed to get round Weale, take a touch and steady himself for a shot.
Kelvin Langmead got back onto the line more in hope than expectation, however he was able to head McLeod’s shot away from goal and out of danger.
The Bees were much improved in the second period and were looking the better side.
The confidence the home side had in the opening 45 minutes was quickly ebbing away and with just over 20 minutes remaining Barnet took the lead.
A bouncing ball in midfield was flicked on by Deering and Holmes sprinted onto the pass. He had a lot to do but escaped the attention of a defender before firing past Weale.
The Bees than nearly added a third as McLeod broke down the left flank, cut onto his right foot and sent a low shot goalwards.
But Weale was down save the right footed effort.
Northampton’s fans were becoming increasingly frustrated with their side who hadn’t looked like really testing Brill in the second half.
There was some temporary respite for the Cobblers as Jacobs cut inside Michael Hector and sent a good strike at goal that Brill had to palm away.
Barnet looked solid in defence and were dealing with the long ball approach of Aidy Boothryod’s side.
The last chance of the game was a free kick to Northampton on the edge of the box. However, it was poorly struck and went straight into the wall.
It was the last action of the game as the referee blew for full time and the Barnet fans left Sixfields in fine voice.
The Bees will be back at Underhill next week as the host Crewe.
Northampton: Weale, Crowe, Tozer, Langmead, Adams; Johnson, Jacobs, Harding; Young, Akinfenwa, Berahino.
Northampton substitutes: Holt, Purcell, Gilligan, Asante, Hall.
Barnet: Brill; Hector, Downing, Dennehy, Saville, Deering, Hughes, Kamdjo, Byrne; Holmes, McLeod.
Barnet substitutes: Hajrovic, O’Brien, Taylor, N’Diaye, Vilhete.
Attendance: 4,561 (485).