After what has seemed like an eternity, the football season has resumed; normality has been restored.

Having played our last game in that disastrous loss against Northampton Town 74 days ago, we opened pre-season with a 3-1 victory over St Albans last Tuesday in what was a routine victory.

Many had hoped for a repeat of last season's 10-2 win at Clarence Park but the game did not live up to those expectations with it being a low-scoring – and somewhat subdued – affair.

This is better than a triumphant victory as Edgar Davids will be able to see where he needs to improve, with last season’s win creating a delusion of grandeur about the squad.

The game can be viewed as a good way to start pre-season. The team gained necessary fitness levels in preparation for the new season while morale has been raised by starting with a win.

That was not the only run-out the players got last week.

On what should have been a game against Premier League opposition to open The Hive, Saturday saw Barnet have a 'club day' to compensate, in which two Barnet teams faced against each other.

There was an air of excitement regarding the day with it being the first chance for us fans to experience a game at The Hive, as well as test out our view for the upcoming campaign. And the new stadium is certainly impressive.

The view from your seat in the West Stand is exquisite as you get a phenomenal view of the game up close to the pitch.

The game itself started off timidly with neither Barnet side creating any chances of note.

That was until trialist Marciano won a penalty. Harry Crawford stepped up to take it but Graham Stack superbly palmed it away. It was reminiscent of the penalty save he made against Wycombe in the final game at Underhill.

Midway through the second half Jamal Lowe opened the scoring with a low and tidy finish. It was great to see a youth-team graduate score the first goal at The Hive; representing our future both on and off the pitch.

Zach Khlaf, a youth-team player, equalised with minutes to spare after a Marciano cross was not dealt with. The game ended 1-1 in what was a good day for players and fans alike.

However, if we can’t even beat ourselves what hope do we have for the upcoming season!

You can follow me on Twitter @JoshIlan_BFC