Fleetwood spoil Barnet’s EFL return

Fleetwood ran out 2-0 winners over newly-promoted Barnet at The Hive in what marked the hosts’ first EFL game in seven years.

Barnet failed to take their chances in the Sky Bet League Two contest, while Fleetwood’s Will Davies slotted into an empty net after dispossessing goalkeeper Owen Evans.

Skipper Elliot Bonds doubled the lead in the second half when Ryan Graydon’s curling effort was saved and Bonds reacted quickest to slot home the rebound.

Dean Brennan’s side thought they had taken the lead inside 12 minutes when Danny Collinge tapped in Ryan Glover’s deflected effort but the flag was raised for offside.

The visitors struck first in the 22nd minute, with Davies punishing Evans error. The Barnet keeper responded well though, producing a sharp save to deny Mark Helm at the near post.

Fleetwood extended their lead five minutes after the restart, with Bonds in the right place to finish from close range.

Just after the hour mark, Barnet substitute Dennis Adeniran unleashed a fierce strike, forcing a superb near-post save from Fleetwood keeper Jay Lynch to preserve the lead.