A fiercely contested clash between Barnet and Stevenage ended in a goalless draw at Broadhall Way this afternoon.

The match was full of dedication and endeavour from both sides, but neither team was able to fashion too many opportunities in front of goal. 

The first clear chance of the match fell to Stevenage on 12 minutes.

Aaron O’Connor latched onto a misplaced header back to Jamie Stephens, but poked the ball just wide of the right hand post.

The striker’s chance was the only clear opportunity of a first half more notable for injuries to Martin Allen’s side.

Sam Togwell was replaced by Alie Sesay after 29 minutes, before Gavin Hoyte was subbed off with a knock just before the break.

It was the home side who created the first opportunity of the second period – Michael Tonge found himself in space, but his 50th minute header was straight at Stephens. 

Shaun Batt laid the ball off to Chris Hackett on the hour mark, but his right-sided shot flew high and wide of the goal. 

Tonge responded by firing a 67th minute free kick over the crossbar from the edge of the Barnet box.

In the 76th minute Sesay cleared the ball to the feet of Keith Keane, but his powerful drive was off target and failed to trouble Stephens. 

Neither team could find a winner in the latter stages of the match, and the local rivals had to settle for a point a piece at full time.

The Bees’ travel to Newport County in two weeks time.