Barnet can count themselves a mite unlucky not to have returned from Valley Parade with all three points after a performance that bodes well for the future.

Michael Leary kept the skipper's armband and his place in the team at centre back where his partner for the evening was the returning Sagi Burton. Jason Puncheon started the match on the left wing and Bees boss Paul Fairclough selected Max Porter to again hold the fort in central midfield with Neal Bishop. Joe Devera was back at right back replacing Jordan Parkes who dropped to the bench.
Barnet set out their stall with a 4-4-2 formation, the attack being led by Adam Birchall and Anthony Thomas. It was the two fleet of foot forwards, plus the pace of Barnet's wingers that gave the Bees a dangerous, attacking edge all night long.

Albert Adomah was quick to make an impact. His surging runs were again a delight. He created a chance for Thomas early on and Birchall should have given the Bees an early lead when a defensive slip up presented an opportunity.

Birchall was not to be denied for long. Thomas hit a crisp shot from 25 yards that rattled the cross bar midway through the first half and Birchall was on hand to poach a goal amid the mayhem. The shot from distance deserved a goal as did Barnet's general play at this stage.

Porter and Bishop looked a good combination in midfield, they worked hard to deny their opponents time and space and made valid contribution when in possession.
The home crowd were getting restless, a sure sign that the visitors were in the ascendancy. Barnet really needed a second goal during this period as the Bantams were surely going to improve on a lack lustre first half.

Bishop nearly put the Bees two up just before half time with a shot from distance and it was the home side, reeling and on the ropes, that welcomed the whistle that signalled the end of the first period.
Barnet were put under some pressure in the second half. Luke Medley, ex Protec, came on in the second half to partner the veteran Barry Conlon up front for the Bantams and his pace and guile put the Barnet defence on alert.

Bradford had upped the tempo but still the Bees created chances. A terrific cross from the left from Nicky Nicolau was nearly converted and the speed of movement of the Bees Thomas and Birchall was causing difficulties for the home side.

On 76 minutes Bradford drew level when Eddie Johnson headed home a near post corner. This signalled Bradford to push forward but the Bees took on board Paul Fairclough's instruction, bellowed from the sideline, to "stay strong."

Minutes from time Birchall had a golden opportunity to give the Bees a victory but Scott Loach, the keeper on loan from Watford, was equal to the task and a point was all Barnet were going to get for their night's work.

Home next for the Bees, the Shakers from Bury providing the opposition at Underhill this Saturday.

David Bloomfield