The Opposition View: Barnet

Last updated : 22 September 2016 By Jim Bonner

How happy are you with Barnet's season so far?

I'd give it a solid 7/10. We're a tough team to play against and compared to a year ago we've really tightened up at the back and become a difficult proposition away from home.

Conversely, we still don't have the self-belief to dominate teams at home yet we've managed to salvage points from losing positions because we had to attack and we created plenty of chances when doing so. Will we have enough to trouble the top end of the table? It's difficult to tell.

What do Bees fans think of Martin Allen and his brand of football these days?

Simply put, the brand of football can be a tad exasperating but Martin Allen is pretty much the only manager who has worked for us (excepting Edgar Davids in 12/13) since Paul Fairclough stepped down at the end of 2008 and there is no way that we'll get into relegation trouble with him in charge.

How are the ex-Pompey players getting on now?

John Akinde is going to be the top scorer in this division this year, I'm totally confident of that. It's clear that he loves it here with us and he has continued to improve as a football player since we got back into the league. Just check out the finishes for his goals against Blackpool and Mansfield, for instance.

As for Bondz, he can be caught by pace or a lack of concentration but he's a decent enough centre-half at this level.

What are your side's biggest strengths and weaknesses and who are the key players?

Our strength is our togetherness as a team and that we're well drilled. I also think that we have enough options off the bench now if we need to change tactics.

Our weakness is our reticence to believe in the strength of our team! Another weakness is the lack of a central midfield playmaker. Oh, for another Luisma!

Some wags might suggest that when Shaun Batt starts for us, we're giving the other side a man advantage but I whole-heartedly support all of our players when they're on the pitch!

What kind of match can we expect on Saturday and would you take a draw if offered?

I think that we will park the bus and that we'll look to counter-attack with Akinde's pace. Hopefully we will have learnt from last season and we won't play such a high line this time. I would take a draw, although a skanky 1-0 win would be even better!