Dean Brennan’s Barnet host Oldham Athletic in front of the DAZN TV cameras this coming weekend with questions raised over squad depth.
The Bees exited the Emirates FA Cup last time out at the hands of League One Exeter City with the Irishman citing more reinforcements are needed to continue their promotion challenge.
Unable to name a full bench of substitutes for the cup tie and those present all defenders, the Bees head coach is seeking to bolster his under strength front line. Saturday’s post-match interview saw Brennan highlight the need to recruit a new striker.
With Rhys Browne still struggling with injury, Nicke Kabamba is the only recognised front man at The Hive and despite an impressive record of eight goals in eight games since his return from injury help is required.
Whilst Callum Stead served well as a makeshift striker in the absence of both players it is a position where serious competition for playing time is under cooked.
Despite that the Bees are the division’s top scorers with 34 goals, Brennan however believes his side are not clinical enough in front of goal and should have netted themselves at least five more points than their current total.
Their home record, eight wins from eight played, is the best in the division but the Latics will provide possibly the strongest test so far for Barnet. The North West outfit are nicely placed inside the top seven expecting a play-off charge this season.
Brennan will be hoping some of his injured stars will be fit for the TV game, namely Nik Tavares, Mark Shelton and Harry Chapman. All three players will strengthen the matchday sixteen, however none are adding depth to Kabamba’s position.
An arrival or two before the weekend would spark excitement and in some cases relief amongst the fanbase. Those in and around Barnet in the National League table do appear better equipped across their squad size.
There is the unlikelihood of any permanent departures from The Hive should any players put down roots before the weekend. A loan signing of good quality could make all the difference between winning the title or having to negotiate the drama of the play-off’s once more.
