Barnet captain Anthony Hartigan has opened up about one of the most humbling moments of his early football career facing former Tottenham Hotspur and Harambee Stars midfielder Victor Wanyama at Wembley Stadium.
Hartigan, now 25 and with over 100 League One appearances to his name, vividly recalled the experience during an FA Cup clash in 2018. Then just 17 years old and in his breakthrough season with AFC Wimbledon, he had the rare opportunity to play at Wembley against some of the Premier League’s elite. The match was not only televised but also featured big names like Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and the towering Kenyan midfielder Wanyama.
Reflecting on the moment, Hartigan said the experience was surreal. “I have a photo of me trying to take the ball off Wanyama,” he remembered with a laugh. “I look like a skinny kid next to him – he was a beast! I didn’t stand a chance.”
The match left a lasting impression on the young midfielder. According to him, the next day, their manager Neal Ardley used the game as a benchmark, telling the squad, “That’s the standard you need to reach if you want to make it to the top.” Hartigan admitted the technical, tactical, physical, and mental difference between the two sides was staggering.
Wembley holds mixed memories for Hartigan. In 2021, he endured heartbreak there when Newport County, his side at the time, lost to Morecambe in the League Two play-off final. That period was further complicated by a shoulder injury that disrupted his stint at Mansfield.
However, a new chapter began when he joined Barnet. Hartigan has since made 89 league appearances and played a vital role in helping the club secure the National League title last season. “Mansfield was the right club at the wrong time, but Barnet has definitely been the right team at the right time,” he said. “The environment here is excellent, and I’m enjoying my football again.”
As Barnet prepares for their return to League Two after seven years, Hartigan is confident in the squad’s ability to compete. Their first match is set against Fleetwood, and the captain is eager to lead by example, drawing from his past experiences and using them as motivation to push even higher.
