Alex Nicholls’ fourth league goal of the season was cancelled out by a second half Anton Forrester header as the points were shared at the Hive.

The hosts opened the scoring with only four minutes on the clock after Ryan Watson’s strike cannoned off the bar, finding the feet of Nicholls who blasted home.

Neil Aspin’s men had the chance to equalise after 25 minutes when Cristian Montano’s effort from the edge of the box flew high over George Legg’s crossbar.

The visitors continued to pose an attacking threat six minutes later when Forrester’s shot on-the-turn was tipped past the post by the Barnet goalkeeper.

It was Vale on the attack once again six minutes from the break when David Worrall’s effort fell high and wide of the post following a one-two with Forrester.

The Bees could have doubled their lead three minutes after half-time when a Watson corner met the head of Ricardo Almeida Santos but he failed to convert.

The missed chance proved costly as Vale equalised soon after when Forrester nodded home from close range after Legg failed to keep out Michael Tonge’s cross.

A long-range thunderbolt from Barnet midfielder Curtis Weston looked to be heading on target but his effort could only find the stands.

The Bees skipper tried his luck again on the hour mark but his chest-and-vollied attempt failed to trouble Ryan Boot in the Valiants’ net.

With 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Vale substitute Donovan Wilson was played through on goal but his low drive fell wide of the post.

Despite multiple chances from either side to claim maximum points, it finished one-a-piece.

The Bees host fourth placed Wycombe on Saturday in their next fixture.

Barnet:

Legg, Santos, Watson, Weston (C), Akinde (Briggs 75’), Tutonda, Bover (Akpa Akpro 82’) , Shomotun (Nicholson 75’), Vilhete, Nicholls, Sweeney.

Unused Subs: Ross (GK), Brindley, Coulthirst, Taylor.

Port Vale:

Boot, Raglan, Davis (Gibbons 75’) , Harness (Wilson 69’) , Pugh, Worrall, Montano, Forrester, Smith, Tongue, Hannant.

Unused Subs: Hornby (GK), Howe, Barnett, Whitfield, Middleton.

Attendance: 1153 (193 visitors)