PRE-SEASON MATCH REPORT | Barnet FC

Written by Ollie Heathcote

Hemel Hempstead Town fell to a last-minute defeat at home to Sky Bet League Two side Barnet in the Spencer McCall Invitational Trophy, losing 1-2.

Despite the defeat, it was a strong performance from the Tudors, with all players gaining vital minutes as pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026/27 season continue.

It was a bright start from the Tudors as the first chance of the game fell to George Williams inside the area. Shooting on the turn, the right winger could only drag his effort comfortably wide of the goal.

Despite the bright start, the opening stages of the game remained even as Barnet’s Liwala poked wide following a break away. 

In the 16th minute, it was captain Charlie Rowan who broke the deadlock after Trialist was able to whip an excellent free kick towards the back post, finding the head of the central defender.

The lead lasted six minutes as Barnet equalised through Jack Maskell. After the ball was played through towards the path of an oncoming Michael Johnson, he was unable to clear the ball leading to a curled effort from the striker.

There were few chances towards the end of the first half with both teams looking to utilise their pace on the wings to find a breakthrough; however, the game remained in the balance heading into the second half.

Half time score: 1-1

After a quiet first 15 minutes of the second half, two chances came at either end. After Barnet had a long range effort held by Trialist in goal, Williams had his right footed strike go just wide of the post.

Whilst Barnet dominated the majority of possession, it was the Tudors who worked themselves a promising opportunity as the substitute Trialist saw his effort deflected wide for a corner.

However, the visitors continued to push as the ball was played through to Adam Senior, who shot from a tight angle. Second half substitute goalkeeper Trailist was able to spread himself across the goal to divert the ball behind for a corner.

Minutes later, new signing Isaac Pitblado was called into action as Barnet squared the ball across goal for what looked to be a certain tap in. His intervention was able to prevent the visitors from taking the lead, poking the ball away from goal.

The visitors continued to threaten minutes before the end of the game and got their reward in the final minute as Barnet’s trialist midfielder was able to slide the ball into the back of the net to win the Spencer McCall Invitational Trophy.

It is a quick turnaround for Hemel as they are back at the Focus Community Arena on Tuesday 14th July, hosting Oxford City.