Barnet FC Held to Frustrating Goalless Draw by Cheltenham Town

Bees unable to break down resilient Robins despite dominating possession at The Hive

15 February 2026 | Barnet Football Club Correspondent

Barnet Football Club were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by Cheltenham Town in their League Two fixture at The Hive Stadium on Saturday. The result extended the Bees' unbeaten run to six games but prevented them from closing the gap on the play-off places.

Dean Brennan's side entered the match full of confidence following their impressive 3-1 victory away at Walsall the previous weekend. They dominated large periods of the game, creating several good opportunities, but found Cheltenham's defence in resolute form.

The Bees started brightly, with Idris Kanu testing the visiting goalkeeper early on. Ryan Glover delivered dangerous crosses from the right, while Kabongo Tshimanga posed a constant threat in the box. Despite their pressure, Barnet struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances.

Cheltenham, who had been on a poor run of form prior to the game, adopted a disciplined defensive approach. They limited Barnet to long-range efforts and set-pieces, with the home side's best opportunity coming midway through the first half when a header from Adam Senior was cleared off the line.

The second period followed a similar pattern. Substitutions from Brennan introduced fresh legs, including Jack Howland from the bench, but Cheltenham remained compact. A late surge saw Barnet push forward, yet they were unable to find the breakthrough despite late corners and sustained pressure.

Post-match, manager Dean Brennan acknowledged the performance while expressing disappointment at the lack of goals. “We controlled the game and created enough to win it, but sometimes football is like that,” he commented. “The lads gave everything, and we kept a clean sheet, which is positive. We just need that bit of luck or quality in the final third to turn these draws into wins.”

The draw keeps Barnet in 11th position in League Two with 46 points from 31 games, sitting just outside the play-off spots. Their recent form has been solid, with only one defeat in their last eight league outings, showcasing resilience after promotion from the National League.

Key performers included goalkeeper Conor Slicker, who made several important saves, and the defensive unit led by Collinge and Senior, who ensured a third consecutive clean sheet in home games. Up front, Tshimanga and Kanu continued to link well, though both will be eager to add to their goal tallies soon.

Attention now turns to Tuesday evening's home clash against Swindon Town, a side pushing for promotion. With home advantage and a passionate crowd expected, Barnet will look to bounce back with three points to maintain their upward momentum.

Supporters who attended praised the team's effort despite the scoreline. The Bees remain within striking distance of the top seven, and with games in hand on some rivals, optimism is high for the remainder of the campaign.

As Barnet continue their consolidation in League Two, performances like this underline their growing maturity. Consistency will be key if they are to secure a late push for the play-offs, and Dean Brennan's squad appears capable of delivering.

The season is entering its decisive phase, and every point counts. Barnet fans will be hoping their side can find that cutting edge in attack to turn promising displays into valuable victories.