Connor Smith to start for Barnet FC against Arsenal U21s at The Hive
Midfielder returns to the first-team squad for Tuesday’s EFL Trophy opener in Canons Park
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Barnet FC will field Connor Smith in midfield for their EFL Trophy opener against Arsenal U21s on Tuesday 19 August 2026. The match takes place at The Hive, the club’s home ground in Canons Park, with a 19:45 kick-off.
Smith, 21, joined the Bees in January 2024 after spells with Watford and Swindon Town. He has been included in the starting eleven for the first competitive fixture of the 2026/27 season, following Barnet’s 3-1 victory over Salford City in the National League on 16 August.
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Ticket details and matchday information
Tickets for the match are available through Barnet FC’s official website. Prices and seating options have not been disclosed by the club. The Hive is accessible via public transport, with Canons Park Underground station a five-minute walk from the ground.
Barnet FC confirmed the team news on 17 August 2026, though no direct quote from the club or manager was provided. The announcement was published under the headline "CONNOR SMITH PRE-MATCH | ARSENAL U21s" on the club’s news page.
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Season opener sets the tone
The EFL Trophy match follows Barnet’s opening National League win against Salford City. Goals from Ephron Mason-Clark, Idris Kanu and Nicke Kabamba secured a 3-1 victory at The Hive on 16 August, with manager Dean Brennan describing the performance as "a good start" in post-match comments reported by the club.
The Arsenal U21s side, managed by former Barnet player Per Mertesacker, will provide a stern test for the hosts. The EFL Trophy, which includes teams from League One, League Two and invited Premier League academies, offers a route to the knockout stages for lower-league clubs.
What happens next
Barnet FC’s next fixture is a National League match against Dagenham & Redbridge on 23 August 2026. The club has not announced whether Smith will retain his place in the starting eleven for that game. Fans can check the club’s official website or social media channels for updates on team selection and ticket availability.
Questions this report answers
+When is the Barnet FC match against Arsenal U21s?
The match takes place on Tuesday 19 August 2026 at 19:45 at The Hive in Canons Park. It is Barnet FC’s first EFL Trophy fixture of the 2026/27 season.
+Who is Connor Smith and why is he starting?
Connor Smith is a 21-year-old midfielder who joined Barnet FC in January 2024. He has been named in the starting eleven for the EFL Trophy match against Arsenal U21s, though the club has not explained the selection.
+How can I buy tickets for the match?
Tickets are available through Barnet FC’s official website. The club has not released pricing or seating details for the EFL Trophy fixture at The Hive.
+What competition is this match part of?
The match is part of the EFL Trophy, a knockout competition for League One, League Two and invited Premier League academy teams. Barnet FC, as a National League side, entered by invitation.
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