Barnet were unable to capitalise on a two goal lead they had established for themselves when they allowed Grimsby to draw level and despite then forging ahead again, a spectacular equaliser thwarted the Bees in their search for a second home win of the season.

The Barnet line-up featured debutants Matt Lockwood at left back and Mark Hughes in central midfield with Yannick Bolasie being given his first start after some impressive cameo appearances as substitute.

Ian Hendon set his side out with the clear intention of taking the game to the Mariners with two wingers, Albert Adomah and Bolasie and two strikers, Paul Furlong and John O'Flynn.

Ismail Yakubu was recalled to central defence with Joe Devera reverting to full back due to Abu Ogogo being ruled out injured.

In the 18th minute Neal Bishop broke up a Grimsby attack and swept to ball into the path of Bolasie. The winger confidently took the ball forward before releasing a shot from some 20 yards that was in the bottom corner before the Mariners Phil Barnes could move.

The situation improved further moments later when a Devera cross was headed home by the evergreen Furlong. The luxury of a two goal lead was to be enjoyed for only five minutes.

Keeper Ran Kadoch did not deal with a corner and the ball subsequently crossed the line with the Grimsby skipper Ryan Bennett being awarded the goal.

On the stroke of half time the Mariners drew level when ex Bee Dean Sinclair crossed from the right for Stuart Elliott to powerfully head home.

Barnet regrouped during the interval and started the second period with a second wind. O'Flynn had a golden opportunity to put the Bees ahead when following a Bolasie burst down the flank and a Neal Bishop pull back his shot failed to pack a punch.

Barnet's top scorer was not to be denied as moments later however he confidently put away a penalty, won after he had combined well with Adomah. At this stage there was some half an hour left to play, but surely, this time, a victory and three points were Barnet bound.

Yakubu finding himself in the centre forward position had an opportunity to extend the Bees advantage and O'Flynn flashed a shot past a post following another enticing Bolasie delivery into the box.

Bolasie nearly scored a second when his acrobatic overhead effort had Barnes worried as it went only narrowly wide.

With 12 minutes of normal time left Adrian Forbes, himself with an overhead shot, levelled the scores at three apiece. It was a body blow to have the lead clawed back, again.

Barnet at times tonight were exhilarating when going forward but the occasional hesitancy in defence, especially from set-plays, was exploited by the visitors and post match Ian Hendon identified this as clearly an area where further work and attention is required.

Lockwood and Hughes had steady matches and made a contribution but Bolasie on the left wing caught the eye with his adventurous style.

Of course a victory would have been very very welcome, not to say overdue, but a point apiece is significantly better, given the points haul of both Barnet and Grimsby to date, than conceding all three points to the Mariners. The blindingly obvious perhaps.

The Bees play the Magpies on Saturday at Meadow Lane, home of Notts County.

David Bloomfield.