Alex Nicholls’ first-half strike was enough to claim a vital three points for the hosts.

The Bees started on the front foot when both Shaquille Coulthirst and Nana Kyei forced Rovers’ keeper Bradley Collins into a save with less than a minute on the clock.

Barnet tried their luck yet again on 12 minutes when Forest Green’s shot-stopper had to produce another save after Ryan Watson pulled the trigger from 25 yards out.

The Bees continued to dominate proceedings and they nearly received their just rewards when David Tutonda let fly from the edge of the box just past the half-hour mark but his effort was denied.

Dayle Grubb could have put the visitors one-up four minutes from the break but his shot from the edge of the area lacked power, skimming past Craig Ross’ post.

However, Barnet’s positive first half was reflected in stoppage time when Coulthirst found Nicholls who buried his effort into the back of the net from the edge of the box, giving the Bees a much deserved opener.

Rovers had the first real chance of the second period after Reuben Reid’s long range shot deflected wide off team-mate Christian Doidge.

Reid posed another attacking threat just passed the hour mark when he found space to test his luck but his shot flew way over the bar.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, including a curling effort from Grubb and a dangerous header from Farrend Rawson, the Bees stood firm and saw out what proved to be a nail-biting encounter.

Martin Allen’s men travel to Grimsby Town in their next fixture as they aim to claim a vital third win in four games.

Bees Team: Ross, Brindley, Nelson, Watson, Weston (Fonguck), Akinde (Payne), Coulthirst, Tutonda, Kyei, Nicholls (Clough), Sweeney:

Unused Subs: McKenzie-Lyle (GK), Taylor, Fonguck, Shomoton, Akpa Akpro

Attendance: 1764 (225 Forest Green)