The Hive Stadium played host to a compelling National League encounter, where Barnet extended their remarkable unbeaten run to 24 matches with a 3-1 victory over Gateshead. The Bees took an early lead in the 10th minute, Myles Kenlock finding the net from a Rhys Browne assist. Barnet’s ascendancy continued, and their pressure yielded a second goal just before the break. In the 40th minute, Callum Stead doubled the hosts’ advantage, converting a Ryan Glover assist to make it 2-0 going into half-time.
The second half saw a series of substitutions from both sides as Gateshead sought to revitalise their attack and Barnet aimed to consolidate their midfield dominance. The visitors’ changes briefly sparked a revival, and the game took a dramatic twist in the 82nd minute. Substitute Tyrell Sellars-Fleming provided the assist for Jovan Malcolm to reduce the deficit to 2-1, setting up a tense finish. However, Barnet extinguished any lingering hopes of a Gateshead comeback deep into added time. In the 95th minute, Stead secured his brace and sealed the victory for Barnet, finishing a move that originated with substitute Dominic Telford.
Referee Oliver Mackey issued three cautions during the match – two to Gateshead players in the first half and one to a Barnet player in the second half – reflecting the competitive nature of the game. Both teams utilised their substitutions tactically, indicative of the closely fought nature of the contest.
The win strengthens Barnet’s position at the top of the National League table, taking them to 91 points. Despite the defeat, Gateshead remain in 7th place with 60 points. While Gateshead held a historical advantage in previous encounters between the two sides, with three wins to Barnet’s none from their five previous meetings, today’s result underlines Barnet’s impressive form this season, in stark contrast to Gateshead’s recent struggles, which have seen them go winless in their last seven matches.