Relegation fears vanished with a 1-0 victory over promoted Rochdale at Underhill, courtesy of a late winner by Albert Jarrett.
Come the crunch, ironically, Barnet didn't need to win the last match of the season to stay up, thanks to Burton Albion defeating Grimsby Town, but it sure was good to claim the three points and determine your own destiny and not need to rely on others.
Caretaker Manager Paul Fairclough selected a midfield threesome of Ed Upson, Mark Hughes and Micah Hyde. Upfront in a fluid system John O'Flynn was the central striker with Albert Adomah and Mauro Vilhete always lending close support.
A big crowd had gathered at Underhill, not certain if they were attending a party or a wake, but unless you were supporting the Dale you were in a state of anxiety about what division your team would be in next season.
Barnet set about their task with eagerness, Hughes and Upson going close with first-half headers, with Joe Devera and Adomah proving a powerful double act down the right flank.
Vilhete flashed in out of the game, but looked accomplished, and nearly scored with a flicked header from an Ahmed Deen centre.
O'Flynn had a number of chances to give the Bees the lead but his finishing was not quite at the level he has shown in his time at Underhill over the last two seasons.
Barnet were keeping good possession of the ball and making a steady number of chances and with news seeping through that Grimsby were behind at the Pirelli the omens were good.
In the second half Nicky Deverdics, Paul Furlong and Jarrett were called upon, replacing Hughes, O'Flynn and Vilhete as Bees were determined to be the masters of their own destiny by going for the victory themselves.
A great move in the 90th minute ended any debate. Micah Hyde distributed the ball in fine style to Adomah out wide, he found Furlong on the penalty spot who showed a good touch by laying the ball into the path of the advancing Jarrett. He thumped it the net. It took a slight deflection, but it was clearly Jarrett's goal and Barnet deserved the three points.
1-0 game over. Season over.
After the final whistle Jake Cole was awarded the Norweigian Fan Club's Player of the Year trophy by Tor Mollatt Eriksen. Jake kept 14 clean sheets this season, a quite remarkable feat in a difficult season.
The Bees are in npower League 2 next season.
David Bloomfield