The biggest game of the National League season takes place on Tuesday evening, with table toppers Barnet hosting second place York City at The Hive.
The Bees are the current National League leaders, sitting four points ahead of York, having played two more games, so the impetus will be on Dean Brennan's side to take all three points. Barnet boast a strong home record, dropping just six points all season and are yet to lose in front of their own fans.
With eight goals scored in their last three home games, the leaders will be hoping to break down a York side with the second best defensive record in the league. The Mintstermen ran out 3-1 victors in the reverse, so the hosts will be keen to inflict their revenge.
If Barnet are to get a result, Callum Stead will be crucial in the absence of Nicke Kabamba who departed in January to League Two Bromley. Stead has registered 13 goal contributions this campaign, including two assists in the recent 3-1 victory over Solihull Moors. January signings Dom Telford and Lee Ndlovu are filling the void left by the prolific Kabamba, scoring four goals between them in minimal games.
After the big money takeover from Matt Uggla at the start of the 2023/2024 season, optimism was high for York City. However, promotion ambitions didn't come to fruition for the Minstermen who instead were left in real danger of relegation until the appointment of Worthing FC manager Adam Hinshelwood.
The 41-year-old turned the club's fortunes round and now with a full summer window and pre-season to hone is squad, has York in serious promotion contention. Hinshelwood became renowned for his high-octane, attacking football while at Worthing and has started to implement his exciting style at the LNER Community Stadium.
He has relied on old-guard from his time at Worthing, as well as signing several talented players from divisional rivals. The January signing of Josh Stones from Wigan after an impressive spell at Oldham has done wonders for the Minstermen attack who now look as potent as ever.
Away from home, York must iron out some inconsistencies if they are to win the league and avoid the dreaded lottery of the playoffs. 23 points from 14 on their travels is still a steady return, but Hinshelwood has expressed frustrations at how difficult some away games have become.
This York side is well rounded. Only Barnet have scored more goals, while only Forest Green have conceded fewer.
One of the trusted old guard that Hinshelwood brought with him from the South-Coast was Ollie Pearce. After sweeping up the National League South player of the year award, the 29-year-old decided it was time to test himself in a professional setting, leaving The Rebels after 155 goals in 245 appearances.
He has taken to the National League like a duck to water, scoring 18 goals in 29 appearances, sitting atop the goalscoring charts. The addition of Josh Stones to partner him, coupled with the creativity of Ashley Nathaniel-George, Joe Felix and Tyrese Sinclair.
Prediction: Ollie Pearce to Score @3.75
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