Barnet lost for the 17th time on their travels in the league this season by a 2-0 scoreline at Blundell Park to Grimsby Town and so set up a do or die game against Rochdale next Saturday at Underhill where a victory is required to ensure League 2 status next season.
Paul Fairclough made three changes to Ian Hendon's last selection at Accrington Stanley on Tuesday. Replacing the unavailable Daniel Leach and Dave Livermore were Ahmed Deen (slotting in at left-back, with Kenny Gillet moving to central defence) and Micah Hyde. Albert Jarrett was selected in preference to Ed Upson on the left of midfield.
Barnet started the brighter with Jarrett putting in a number of early crosses, Gary Breen looking composed with Gillet winning his share of headers and Albert Adomah an attacking outlet.
Grimsby backed by a vociferous crowd soon got their act together and a shot from the edge of the box by Jamie Devitt after a good flowing move gave indication that the Mariners knew exactly what was at stake for a club that was playing in the Championship as recently as 2003.
On 26th minutes Jake Cole saved well at the feet of Mark Hudson who had broken from deep, a real chance for the home side.
In the first half Barnet held their own without seriously troubling the home keeper.
Early in the second half a run down the flank by Adomah led to a Barnet corner. Floated in by Jarrett Joe Devera had a good opportunity to head the Bees ahead, a definite chance.
And moments later another Adomah centre found O'Flynn whose flicked header flashed over the bar.
Then came a crucial moment in the 57th minute, on video and on the admission of the Grimsby players subsequently, Paul Furlong was deliberately held back when he looked certain to find the back of the net, again from an Adomah centre. The Thomas Gravesen look-alike referee chose to ignore the challenge.
Two minutes later the Mariners forged ahead. With Barnet pushing up a ball lofted back into the middle found Rob Atkinson. He deftly controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed past Cole.
On 66 minutes a Joe Devera cross found Mark Hughes who headed at the keeper when well positioned.
Nicky Deverdics, Chris James and Mauro Vihete were now introduced into the fray. Deverdics got on the ball and did well, with Vihete becoming the youngest ever Barnet first team player ever.
Barnet were consistently pushing forward, but sporadically the home side, cheered on massively, would mount a dangerous counter attack, one of which ended with Jean Louis Akpro crashing a shot against a post.
With the 4th official signalling five minutes of time to be added it still seemed possible for the Bees to draw level. Game on.
In the 3rd minute of time added on however Hudson drilled the ball past Cole from just inside the box to give Grimsby a two goal lead. Game over.
One game left. We know what is needed in the last fixture of the season. On show today where glimpses and a number of performances that indicate that all could be well come 5 o'clock next Saturday afternoon, but only time will tell.
Barnet play Rochdale at Underhill on Saturday in a Coca-Cola League 2 fixture.
David Bloomfield.