MATCH REPORT | Spencer McCall Invitational Trophy | Barnet (H)

Hemel Hempstead Town 2 Barnet 2

Match report by Allan Mitchell

It was good to see ex Tudors boss Dean Brennan return to Vauxhall Road, bringing his National League winning side to compete in the 2025 Spencer McCall Invitational Trophy. The healthy crowd of over 800 were rewarded with an entertaining and competitive game that resulted in a 2-2 draw.

Samuel Adenola - Photography credit: Jemma Sear | @_photosbyjem

Hemel took an early lead when Darion Dowrich caught out Owen Evans at his near post although there was an element of good fortune in the goal with Dowrich mis-hitting his cross into the back of the net. Barnet started to impose themselves after this early set back and Anthony Hartigan grabbed the equaliser for the visitors with an excellent free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, curling the ball into the top right hand corner.

Rhys Browne put the Bees ahead just before the interval after a great team move, with Glover out pacing a Tudors defender before pulling the ball back perfectly for Browne to slot home from close range. There was less goalmouth action in the Second period but it was the Tudors who started to take control as the minutes ticked down.

Only some last ditch blocks from the Barnet backline prevented an equaliser but it finally and deservedly came in the 85th minute when Trialist cut inside before curling a superb effort into the bottom right hand  corner.

Rio Deall - Photography credit: Jemma Sear | @_photosbyjem

Both Managers and Captains lined up at the end of the game as the Trophy was shared and Tudors fans would have been pleased in their sides first pre season outing against a team who are now competing in the Football League.