The same scoreline as the game against Hereford United a week earlier, 0-0, but this time around it was Barnet who could easily have been celebrating a comfortable victory. Numerous chances were created and the defence again looked sound, despite its unusual composition with injuries to the back four again restricting Ian Hendon's options.
With Clovis Kamdjo having just undergone knee surgery Daniel Leach steeped up to partner Ismail Yakubu at the heart of the Barnet defence.
Albert Jarrett and Yannick Bolasie were selected to play on the flanks with Albert Adomah on the bench.
The Bees were quick to seize the initiative with John O'Flynn and Jarrett each getting their shots away in the opening flurries.
There was an urgency and purpose about Barnet's play and approach, a contrast to that on show a week earlier.
The ball was moved about swiftly, the wet surface proving an asset in this regard, with Micah Hyde and Mark Hughes in particular taking control of central midfield.
The Bees side had balance as half of the outfield players have a preference for their left foot.
From a Jarrett cross Yakubu looked certain to score but he could not keep his headed effort down and as half time approached a fine O'Flynn goal bound effort from an acute angle was pushed wide by the Vale keeper, Chris Martin, for a corner.
Jarrett and Bolasie were causing havoc on their respective flanks, Bolasie, by his driving runs and Jarrett with a constant stream of quality deliveries from wide areas. Many times Barnet were a mere fraction away from opening the scoring.
Midway through the half a well struck volley from distance by Vale's Kris Taylor did cause a modicum of consternation, but his effort flew wide of the target.
Micah Hyde had a pile driver from distance narrowly miss the target and crosses from Bolasie and Kenny Gillet were so nearly met by O'Flynn as the Bees looked certain to score.
Occasionally Vale broke away and the possibility of the visitors, despite being under almost constant pressure taking the lead, could not be discounted.
The back four had a solid look about it with Leach putting in a passionate display, repeatedly heading the ball away from danger.
Late on Jake Hyde was introduced, replacing Paul Furlong, and he was well positioned to head home from another quality delivery from the wings, but he glanced the ball wide.
The slippery conditions may have contributed to some fierce tacking and Vale were anything but shrinking violets, robust would be generous, and it was no surprise when one of their ranks, it happened to be their skipper Tommy Fraser, was dismissed late in the game.
Ian Hendon post match remarked that if his side continue to play like that then victories are the much more likely outcome. Today, it wasn't to be, the Bees came close and deserved to have collected the three points and despite the similar scoreline, without doubt a significant improvement on a week earlier.
Barnet are next in action on Tuesday night against Cheltenham Town.
David Bloomfield