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Dean Brennan reflective as Barnet ‘punch above weight’ despite missing play-offs
Barnet manager Dean Brennan was delighted to see his side end their final home game in style, thrashing Gillingham 6-2 at the Hive as they narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
Callum Stead scored four times inside the opening 30 minutes, with Romoney Crichlow heading in just before half-time to put Barnet in complete control.
Stead added his fifth in the 70th minute, while Gillingham replied through Sullivan Booth and Josh Andrews in an eight-goal contest. The result ensured Barnet signed off at the Hive on a high after a season of fine margins overall.
“In the first half we could have been eight goals up. We wanted a strong scoreline as well as the win,” said Brennan.
“When I look back to the Bromley game, we conceded at the dying moments of the game and that probably crushed us in getting into the final play-off places, but we are very proud of the points tally.
“The players, the team’s performance, attitude and application was absolutely spot on.
“There are a couple of bits we have to review over the past 10 months where we have to do better. We have to get the one per cent better.
Praising Stead, Brennan said: “He always gets chances and keeps going. If you keep getting chances, you’ll score.
“Sometimes his quality lets him down, he never gives in and should be proud.
“We need to be better, especially in January and recruitment is needed.
“We must be more professional and win at Harrogate next week and break our points tally.
“We have one of the lowest budgets but have punched above our weight, and the biggest challenge is keeping players as success brings interest.”
Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth labelled the defeat as the worst day of his spell in charge.
“It’s the worst day as Gills manager, it was a poor performance,” said Ainsworth.
“Barnet have had a good season but we conceded too easily and there was no fight. Basic things like winning tackles weren’t there.
“We keep getting hurt from set pieces every week and it has to change. If your best isn’t good enough, I’ll make it better.
“The only shining light on this performance is Sullivan Booth and pleased I have picked him today and he’s got a very big future ahead of him. He took his goal brilliantly by being in the right place at the right time. Making this squad better is a huge fight.
“There will be change over the summer but I’m committed and will fight to turn it around properly again for next season.”
