Summer signing Chapman and Shelton ensure another win for the Bees reports Nick Sandamas

Barnet FC in action against Southend United — The Bees in action against Southend – (Credit – Nick Sandamas)

Summer signings Harry Chapman and Mark Shelton both struck in their first starts for the club to ensure another three points for the Bees as the pre season-title favourites moved up to third in the table.

The Bees made three changes to their starting eleven from Tuesday night’s last gasp win over Forest Green Rovers, with Reece Hall-Johnson coming in to replace Ben Coker, who dropped to the bench, whilst Chapman & Shelton came in for the injured duo Ade Oluwo and Billy Clifford.

The game took time to get going, with the first chance at goal not arriving until the 20 minute mark when Bees midfielder Zak Brunt saw his shot go into the arms of Shrimpers keeper Colin Andeng-Ndi.

Then, on 31 minutes, the Bees broke through to break the deadlock when Chapman tried his luck from 25 yards with a shot which beat the dive of Andeng-Ndi at his near post.

The Bees started the second half as they did the first half with Reece Hall-Johnson flashing an effort across goal, but nobody was there in a black and amber to apply the finish.

A couple of chances for a leveller came the Shrimpers way, both headers flashed wide: first by Harry Cardwell then moments later Danny Waldron. In between those Shrimpers efforts, Callum Stead flashed a shot past the post as the Bees sought a second goal.

Then, on the hour mark the Shrimpers, bought on George Moncur for Noor Husin and the change of shape worked as, within four minutes, they were level when a cross into the box came to right back Gus Scott-Morriss. His powerful sliced shot hit the back of the net to send the large away support into raptures.

Within six minutes of that leveller, the Bees were given a great chance to go back in front when they were awarded a penalty, Brunt falling under a challenge and ex-Oldham man Shelton took the kick and rolled the ball calmly into the net to restore the Bees advantage.

Ryan Glover & Richard Nartey, both signed by the club within the last 24 hours, came on for their debuts in the last 20 minutes and showed promise.

Further chances fell to Hall-Johnson and to Brunt to increase the home side’s lead, with the latter striking the woodwork with a curler.

The Shrimpers did apply pressure to the end with balls in the box, but the Bees snuffed these all out to see the game out safely to give the home fans an early Bank Holiday present.

The Bees go again on Bank Holiday Monday as they make the short trip to face Maidenhead United who got off the mark today with a draw.

Team: Hayes, Hall-Johnson, Taveras, Kizzi, Kenlock, Brunt (Francis 85), Chapman(Nartey 72), Hartigan (capt), Shelton (Okimo 90), Stead, Kanu (Glover 72)

Subs not used: Gilmore (gk), Coker, Rye

Attendance: 2,932 (1603 away fans)

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