Barnet 1-1 Crewe: Brennan Slams Missed Opportunity

Key Points

• Barnet FC drew 1-1 with Crewe Alexandra at The Hive Stadium in a National League match.
• Barnet took an early lead through Kabongo Tshimanga’s low drive past Crewe goalkeeper Ian Lawlor at the near post.
• Crewe equalised in the 32nd minute when Owen Lunt met Reece Hutchinson’s cross to lash home the goal.
• Barnet manager Dean Brennan admitted his side lacked cutting edge, particularly failing to build a bigger lead in the first half despite dominance.
• Brennan noted poor second-half performance, with possession dominance but few chances created, leaving best opportunities too late.
• Goalkeeper Cieran Slicker earned high praise from Brennan for a string of vital saves that kept the score level.
• Barnet sit 11th in the table, six points off the top seven play-off spots and one point behind Crewe.
• Crewe assistant manager Ryan Dicker praised his team’s resilience and character after securing a point away from home.
• Crewe manager Lee Bell was sent off in stoppage time following an argument with officials; Dicker handled post-match media duties.
• Owen Lunt’s goal was his first since November, with Dicker highlighting his development and increased box presence.
• Brennan emphasised the need for improvement at the top end of the pitch, stating the table does not lie.

The Hive, London (North London News) February 4, 2026 – Barnet FC manager Dean Brennan admitted his side lacked the cutting edge required to secure victory after being held to a 1-1 draw by Crewe Alexandra in the National League on Wednesday evening. The Bees flew out of the blocks, taking an early lead when striker Kabongo Tshimanga fired a low drive past Crewe goalkeeper Ian Lawlor at the near post, but the visitors responded in the 32nd minute with midfielder Owen Lunt meeting right-back Reece Hutchinson’s cross to lash home the equaliser. Despite dominating possession, Barnet failed to capitalise, sitting 11th in the table, six points adrift of the play-off places and one behind their opponents.

What Led to Barnet’s Early Dominance and Equaliser?

Barnet started the match brightly, pressing high and creating chances in the opening exchanges. Kabongo Tshimanga, the Bees’ prolific forward, capitalised on this superiority to open the scoring with a precise low drive that caught Ian Lawlor off guard at the near post. As reported in the original match coverage, this early goal set the tone for Barnet’s first-half control.

Crewe, however, showed resilience by adjusting their shape midway through the first half. Reece Hutchinson delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank, which Owen Lunt met emphatically to level the scores in the 32nd minute. This goal, Lunt’s first since November, stemmed the tide and prevented Barnet from pulling further ahead.

Why Did Dean Brennan Feel Barnet Missed a Key Opportunity?

Dean Brennan was forthright in his assessment post-match, highlighting his frustration at not converting dominance into a decisive lead.

“We were really dominant in the first half but didn’t manage to get a big enough lead. There was not enough cutting edge at the top end of the pitch,”

Brennan stated, as directly quoted from the match report.

He continued:

“In the second half, we didn’t do enough. We dominated possession but without creating lots of chances. We can’t keep leaving our best chances until that late in the game.”

Brennan reserved special praise for goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, adding:

“Cieran was sensational. You have to clap saves like that.”

These comments underscore Brennan’s view that Barnet squandered a prime chance to climb the table.

How Does Brennan Plan to Address the Shortcomings?

Brennan outlined a clear path forward, emphasising hard work and improvement.

“We need to strive to get better and keep working hard. The plan is to be better at the top end of the pitch,”

he said. He added starkly:

“At the moment it’s not enough, and the table doesn’t lie.”

With Barnet 11th, six points from the top seven and trailing Crewe by one, the pressure mounts for sharper finishing.

What Did Crewe Assistant Ryan Dicker Say About the Draw?

Crewe assistant manager Ryan Dicker stepped up for media duties after head coach Lee Bell received a red card in stoppage time for arguing with officials.

“Overall, we have to be pleased with a point against a decent team away from home,”

Dicker remarked, crediting his side’s adaptability.

Dicker detailed the tactical shift:

“They [Barnet] were on top in the opening 20 minutes and we found it difficult to gain control. We changed shape in the first half, which allowed us to equalise and create chances to actually get ahead.”

He praised the squad’s unity:

“This group’s character and resilience shouldn’t be questioned. There is a real togetherness and unity here.”

Why Is Consistent Points-Gathering Crucial for Crewe?

Dicker stressed the importance of steady results in their play-off push.

“Keeping picking up points consistently is going to be key for us to have a late push for the play-offs. A draw was a fair result,”

he noted. Currently one point ahead of Barnet, Crewe view this as a valuable away point in a tightly contested league.

Who Was the Standout Performer for Crewe – Owen Lunt?

Owen Lunt, the 21-year-old midfielder, emerged as a key figure with his equalising strike. Ryan Dicker singled him out for praise:

“Owen has been excellent. He’s developing well and adding goals to his game by getting into the box more often. His goal ensured we didn’t leave empty-handed.”

Lunt’s finish from Reece Hutchinson’s cross marked his first goal since November, a timely boost amid Crewe’s push for promotion. This performance highlights his growing maturity in the final third.

What Was the Impact of Lee Bell’s Sending Off?

Crewe manager Lee Bell’s dismissal in stoppage time added drama to the closing stages. The sending off followed an heated exchange with match officials, forcing Dicker to take charge of post-match interviews. Despite the numerical disadvantage late on, Crewe held firm to secure the draw.

No further goals materialised, but the incident tested the Railwaymen’s resolve. Dicker’s comments focused on the positives, avoiding dwell on the red card.

How Does This Result Affect the National League Table?

Barnet remain in 11th position, six points shy of the play-off spots. Crewe hold a slight edge, one point ahead, underscoring the fine margins in the promotion race. Brennan’s reference to the table “not lying” reflects the Bees’ mid-table frustration.

For Crewe, the point keeps them in contention for a late surge, as Dicker alluded. Both teams now refocus on upcoming fixtures, with Barnet needing to sharpen their attack.

What Tactical Changes Did Crewe Implement?

Dicker explicitly credited a first-half reshuffle for turning the game. After struggling in the opening 20 minutes under Barnet’s pressure, the shape change enabled Crewe to stabilise, equalise, and threaten a win. This adaptability proved decisive in earning a share of the spoils.

Barnet, conversely, maintained possession in the second half but lacked penetration, as Brennan observed. The contrast in adjustments highlights Crewe’s pragmatic approach.

Why Praise for Barnet’s Goalkeeper Cieran Slicker?

Amid the criticism of his attack, Brennan lauded Cieran Slicker’s heroics. “Cieran was sensational. You have to clap saves like that,” the manager said, acknowledging a string of vital stops that preserved the draw. Slicker’s performance was pivotal in preventing Crewe from capitalising further.

This standout showing offers a silver lining for Barnet, bolstering defensive confidence moving forward.

What Does This Say About Both Teams’ Promotion Hopes?

The draw encapsulates the National League’s competitiveness. Barnet’s inability to kill off games hampers their top-seven ambitions, while Crewe’s grit sustains their play-off charge. Brennan’s call for better finishing and Dicker’s focus on consistency signal the work ahead.

As reported across match coverage, neither side could claim full control, resulting in a fair outcome. With the season ongoing, both managers eye improvements to tilt the table in their favour.