NOTTINGHAM, England (Interstat) — Kabongo Tshimanga came off the bench to score a second-half brace, powering Barnet to a 2-1 comeback victory over Notts County in a League Two match at Meadow Lane Stadium on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The result delivered an opening-day upset, as the visiting Bees defied pregame projections to hand the Magpies a defeat in front of their home supporters. Data firm Interstat had given Notts County a 67 percent probability to win and had simulated a 1-1 draw, but Barnet’s clinical finishing overturned an early deficit.

Notts County opened the scoring in the 32nd minute through forward Jodi Jones, who finished an assist from midfielder Tyrese Hall. The early goal seemed to align with the pregame expectations favoring the home side.

Barnet manager Dean Brennan changed the game with a pair of substitutions in the second half. The introduction of Adam Senior and Kabongo Tshimanga provided the decisive spark. Tshimanga, entering as a substitute, leveled the match in the 69th minute, converting a chance created by Senior to make it 1-1.

The striker completed the turnaround just three minutes later, netting his second goal of the match in the 72nd minute to stun the home crowd. His quick double turned the contest on its head and proved insurmountable for Notts County.

The match grew tense in the closing minutes, with two yellow cards issued in quick succession. Barnet’s Adam Senior was booked in the 89th minute, followed immediately by Notts County’s Tyrese Hall in the 90th minute. Barnet managed the final stages effectively to see out the victory.

With the win, Barnet begins its League Two campaign with a perfect record of one win and no losses. Notts County starts the season with one loss and no wins. The records across all competitions are identical for both sides following this season-opening fixture.

The match was organized by England’s League Two, the fourth tier of the English football pyramid. The attendance at Meadow Lane Stadium was not immediately disclosed.

Barnet will look to build on the momentum from this road victory when it continues its league schedule next weekend. Notts County, meanwhile, must regroup after falling at home in a match they were heavily favored to win.