An Andy Yiadom stike midway through the second half was enough to give Barnet victory over Plymouth Argyle.

The Bees captain scored the 68th minute winner – curling a shot into the bottom right corner after a swift passing move from Martin Allen’s side. 

However it was Plymouth who created the first clear chance of the game on 23 minutes.

Graham Carey lofted a ball over the top of the Bees’ defence to Reuben Reid, who shot wide of the left post from inside the area. 

After 35 minutes Carey then fired a free kick wide of the right post from 25 yards out. 

A first half short on goalmouth action was more notable for injuries to Plymouth Argyle players – both Jordon Forster and Ryan Brunt had to be stretchered off after long breaks in play. 

Carey was again the dangerman for the visitors, deep into 14 minutes of injury time – Stephens had to be at his best to turn his low drive around the post. 

Plymouth created the first opening of the second period; Craig Tanner’s powerful 55th minute drive was palmed away by Stephens in the Bees goal.

Sam Muggleton’s long throw was met by Bondz N’Gala in the 60th minute, but his header was clawed away by Luke McCormick in the Plymouth goal. 

Barnet then took the lead with a well-worked passing move in the 68th minute.

Luke Gambin’s sublime pass was picked up by John Akinde on the right. The powerful forward cut inside and laid the ball back to Yiadom, who drilled his shot into the bottom right corner. 

The goal seemed to lift Barnet, who sprung to life in the latter stages of the second half.

Gambin went on a jinking run down the right in the 78th minute, before forcing a save from McCormick with a low shot on target.

Debutant James Roberts then saw his 88th minute shot palmed away by the Argyle keeper.

Plymouth searched for an equaliser, but the Bees held on for a hard-fought three points.