Sadly It was not enough to secure a win, as Kevin Nugent’s side had to settle for a draw at home to Crawley Town.

The Bees started brightly, Akinola dribbling into the box and forcing a save from Crawley keeper Morris early on. 

Akinde couldn’t quite convert his close range volley from the resulting corner. 

Crawley never really tested Buchel, on his home debut, until the 31st minute when Murphy’s 12 yard shot somehow deflected in. 

Barnet’s reply was a beautifully worked goal.

Campbell-Ryce tricked his way down the left and crossed for Akinola to score his first goal in a Barnet shirt – a stunning overhead kick that lifted the Hive faithful from their seats. 

After the break Crawley again took the lead, with Boldewijn bundling his way through the Bees defence to blast past Buchel from close range. 

Barnet never let their heads drop and continued to press forward, with Akinola and Clough both going close.

And the Bees were rewarded for their positive play in the final minutes when Campbell-Ryce’s cross turned into a shot and glided past Crawley keeper Morris.

Buchel made two fantastic stops from close range late on to keep the Bees level, showing why the club were so keen to bring him in from Oxford. 

Plenty of positives to take in to Wednesday nights game, with the Bees looking closer and closer to their first win under Kevin Nugent. 

Next up for Barnet is Yeovil Town on Wednesday 15th March, 8PM KO at the Hive.

Final Score: Barnet 2 – 2 Crawley Town

Match attendance: 1701

Hear Kevin Nugent’s post match thoughts here: