LEAGUE Two Barnet will look to build on a successful pre-season that saw them draw with Arsenal and take the scalp of Charlton Athletic.

The Bees will want to get back on track after losing out to Lincoln City in their opening league fixture at the weekend.

Ian Hendon was rewarded for keeping the North Londoners safe last season by being offered a two year contract.

Hendon, who is a former FA Youth Cup winner and England U21 international, will look to succeed in his first permanent role and take Barnet up the league ladder.

A busy off-season has seen a number of faces come and go. Losing the likes of Adam Birchall and Cliff Akurang but gaining talented prospect Jake Hyde from Swindon.

The Bees have also recruited two more familiar faces, in ex-Watford midfielder Micah Hyde and the ageless Paul Furlong.

Hyde will be remembered by most for his part in Graham Taylor's promotion season and is the captain for Barnet, having only joined a month ago.

For those with better memories Furlong will stick out for his contribution for Watford in the early to mid 1990s, scoring 41 goals in 92 appearances.

Furlong, now 40, signed a one year deal after a successful spell at the end of last season which saw him net nine times in 21 games, assuring Barnet's League two status.

Plans to revitalise the ground are also underway, with a £250,000 improvement programme in place. Two new covered stands have been built showing the club's commitment to building for the future.

TEAM NEWS

John O'Flynn (foot) is still sidelined as is experienced centre half Gary Breen.

Apart from the duo above, Hendon has a fully fit squad to choose from.

HEAD TO HEAD

Amazingly, despite the proximity of the two clubs, the sides have only ever met once in all competitions, the Hornets running out 2-1 winners at Underhill in the first round of the FA Cup in the 1997/98 season.

Rocket Ronny Rosenthal scored both goals after Ken Charlery put Barnet ahead.

IN THE CUP

In the first round of the Carling Cup last year Watford were victorious against Bristol Rovers, while Barnet will hope for a better result after going down 4-0 to Brighton at the same stage of the competition.

HORNETSBET

Home win - 11/4
Away win - 1/1
Draw - 12/5

Article by Matthew Payne

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