The waiting is nearly over for football fans.

Barnet kick off their pre-season schedule this Saturday with a trip to ex-Bee Andy Hessenthaler's Dover Athletic.

And it is just a further four weeks before their League Two campaign begins.

Manager Ian Hendon has recruited two players in the past week, both called 'Jake'.

Jake Hyde, a teenage striker from Swindon Town, was first to arrive, closely followed by keeper Jake Cole, who has agreed a one-year-deal after impressing while on loan for Barnet from Queen's Park Rangers at the end of last season.

Cole became a crowd favourite during his ten-game spell at Underhill. Hendon had been trying to secure his signature as soon as the 23-year-old returned to Loftus Road.

The 6ft 3in shotstopper has had to play second fiddle at QPR during his six years with the West London club, though he is expected to be number one at Barnet.

Veteran keeper Lee Harrison, though still registered as a player, will be concentrating on his coaching duties this season.

Though Hendon was due to field a team of trialists for a practice match at Grays Athletic yesterday afternoon, Saturday's match at Dover will be the first official friendly.

The Kent side ran away with the Ryman League Premier Division title last season under Hessenthaler, who was a big favourite during his spell with the Bees a couple of years ago.

Barnet's first home friendly is against Arsenal on July 18. Home friendlies against Charlton Athletic and Southend United are also on the agenda.

Meanwhile, Barnet's footballers will be playing cricket on Sunday, when they take on neighbours Barnet Bs CC at Underhill.

The Twenty/20 clash is the highlight of the Barnet FC Community Day, which begins at 12 noon. Admission is free.