Barnet gained their first point on the road this season, after a pulsating encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.

Rhys Oates opened the scoring after just six minutes, finishing a swift counter-attack after some early Barnet pressure.

John Akinde’s flicked the ball over Trevor Carson in the Pools goal to equalise on 63 minutes.

Despite the unfortunate start Andy Yiadom almost levelled things up for the Bees on 12 minutes, soon after Hartlepool’s opener.

The winger was left unmarked in the box, but his shot flew agonisingly wide of the right post.  

Yiadom again came close just before the half hour mark; his 30-yard drive ended up narrowly over the bar. 

Hartlepool’s top scorer Billy Painter had a great chance to double the home side’s lead on 34 minutes.

The striker capitalised on a mix-up in the Bees defence to burst through on goal, but his shot went inches wide of the right post. 

Barnet began the second half strongly, and Akinde’s 52nd minute volley from the left side of the box forced a save from Hartlepool keeper Carson.

The home side had two chances to score around the hour mark – Gavin Hoyte clearing off the line, before a smart Jamie Stephens save denied Pools striker Rakish Bingham.

But it was Barnet who soon found themselves level; Akinde darting around the Hartlepool defence to flick a lofted through ball into the back of the net.

The introduction of second half substitute Luke Gambin livened up proceedings – his run and shot on 69 minutes flew wide of the right post. 

Hoyte’s 75th minute clearance then landed straight at the feet of Bingham, but Stephens was equal to his effort on goal.

The chances were coming thick and fast – Yiadom and Michael Gash had shots blocked in quick succession that looked destined for the net.

In the end both sides had to settle for a deserved point a piece, at the end of a thrilling second half.

The Bees travel to Oxford United on Saturday.