Dean Brennan hails ‘phenomenal’ Kabongo Tshimanga after winner at Accrington

Barnet head coach Dean Brennan hailed Kabongo Tshimanga as “the only man you want” on the end of the key chance after their 1-0 win over Accrington.

The Bees dominated, with 21 shots to Stanley’s three, but could not convert until the 81st minute when a long ball forward from Idris Kanu found the striker.

He got the better of the Reds defence and lobbed goalkeeper Ollie Wright for his 10th goal of the season – and fifth for Barnet since his move from Crawley in January.

Brennan, whose team moved up to ninth, said: “I said to Kabby at half-time to keep making the runs, keep gambling as if one of them is going to make a mistake and he has done it. He worked his socks off and it was brilliant composure for the finish.

“He is the only man you want on the end of it, he has been phenomenal since he came in.”

It ended a run of four games without a win and Brennan, serving the fourth of a nine-match touchline ban, said: “First and foremost, the result was the main thing. We had to come here and do a job and I thought we did a fantastic job.

“I know we only won by one goal but we could have won by more.

“I said at half-time, keep probing, keep going, keep working hard and the players showed lots of character and togetherness.

“We had 13 cup finals, that was one of them, and I thought all the players made a big impact.

“Ourselves and John Doolan’s team are down at the bottom when it comes to resources but we all have big hearts.

“We knew it would be a tough battle but we answered the questions with our victory.

“That’s also 14 clean sheets which is phenomenal.”

Stanley boss Doolan was battling with a depleted squad due to injuries and suspensions and could only name four outfield players on the bench as they slipped to a second successive loss.

He said: “It is frustrating and I am disappointed. What we are putting out is just about competing.

“To lose the players we have been without for the last two games and to still be competing, I will pat them on the back and applaud them.

“All you can ask of the lads who put the shirt on is to have a right good go, which they did.

“That had 0-0 written all over it, they had a bit of the ball, we had a bit of the ball. Ollie has made a few saves, we could have tested their keeper a bit more but it’s just a frustrating night.

“With the demands of the game and the small squad we had at the start of the season, then to lose players through reasons I don’t want to go into, it hurts.”