Barnet's six game unbeaten run came to an end at the Moss Rose as the Silkmen recorded a 2-1 home victory over the travelling Bees.
With Gary Breen and Paul Furlong unavailable Max Porter and Mark Hughes were in the starting line-up, Ran Kadoch in goal, with Adam Birchall mostly playing a lone striker's role, although Albert Adomah was encouraged to join the attack at every opportunity.
Joe Devera partnered Michael Leary in the centre of defence.
The home side took the lead in only the second minute. From a free kick on their right Lee Bell delivered a well-struck ball into the danger area where the centre back Nat Brown rose highest to power a header into the corner of the net. It looked so simple.
Almost immediately Barnet responded when Neal Bishop had an effort flash past a post.
The home side had the upper hand for much of the first half although on the left Kenny Gillet and Yannick Bolasie did combine well to provide Birchall with an opportunity but his strike was deflected wide for a corner. Birchall was again on hand in the first half as he stretched to reach a cross, but his attempt went over the bar. Barnet were creating opportunities.
The lean, nimble and quick right winger Emile Sinclair was a danger for the Silkmen and a rampage down the Barnet right early in the second half, when he produced a fine cross into the six yard box, almost saw the home side doubling their lead.
On 54 minutes Barnet drew level. Deft interplay by both Birchall and Bishop on the edge of the penalty area saw the midfielder unselfishly pick out the advancing Adomah who scored from close range for his 10th of the season.
Barnet then enjoyed a 15-20 minute spell in which they completely dominated the home side. Passes went to team mates, chances were being created and the Macclesfield supporters were heckling their own side's feeble efforts to keep apace with the Bees.
Leary had a header from a corner well saved by Jon Brain and Birchall hit the cross bar with a good effort from 25 yards; the closest that the Bees would come to a winning goal. At that moment it would have been well deserved.
The cliché that if you do not score when you are enjoying a period of dominance your opponents will surely soon take advantage then came back to bite Barnet when in the 82nd minute from a corner, where the ball was allowed to bounce about, Kristian Dennis was on hand the stab the ball home.
Barnet were only a fraction away from bringing at least a point back to Underhill from Moss Rose, but if postive results are to be gleaned from games such as these next season, performance and concentration levels do need to be raised a fraction.
Very much on the credit side Max Porter, despite hearing of his release earlier in the week, gave a typically wholehearted display at right back; Max does not do commitment issues! Quite possibly he was the best player on the pitch.
Last game of the season is at Underhill next Saturday when the Bees host Port Vale.
David Bloomfield.
