The Bees started brightly with wingers Campbell-Ryce and Vilhete attacking at every opportunity. 

Campbell-Ryce taking less then five minutes to test the Notts County defence, breaking at them with pace.

Early signs from the front two pairing of Akinde and Akinola were positive, with the duo linking up well.

On 11 minutes, County’s Mark Yeates saw straight red for a reckless tackle on Santos and the Bees must have thought this was the advantage they needed to end their win-less run.

From there though the game became even more frustrating with County putting 10 men behind the ball and increasing their work rate. 

A penalty appeal on 16 minutes showed Barnet’s defensive frailties as County took their chance to hit Barnet on the break.

Barnet had an appeal of their own waved away a few minutes later when Akinde latched on to Nelson’s clearance. 

The striker was booked for going down too easily as he poked the ball past County keeper Collin.

Akinde and Akinola’s efforts to link up continued, but the pair were unable to create an end product.

Santos’ header from a corner on 27 minutes was the Bees only real attempt to cause Collin and the County defence problems.

It wasn’t until 39 minutes that Campbell-Ryce’s curling effort gave the Bees their first shot on target. 

Half time arrived with Barnet frustrated at County’s 10 man resilience. 

After the break, it was the first 10 minutes that would end up costing the Bees. 

Tootle was allowed to break into the area and fire a shot past Buchel into the top left hand corner of the Barnet net. 

The Bees did their best to respond, Watson and Tutonda having half chances almost immediately.

Barnet made three quick changes, bringing on Bover, Cojocarel and Coulson to add some energy to their game plan.

County remained organised, with Barnet’s only proper chance of the second half coming when Bover lashed wide on 78 minutes. 

Akinde did his best to play on the last man, but the linesman’s flag denied him on several occasions.

Bover then had another chance to level when his shot from 12 yards went over the crossbar

In the final moments Nelson’s long ball found the chest of Akinde, but his knock down fell behind Campbell-Ryce.

Final score: Notts County 1-0 Barnet

Attendance: 7178

The Bees are in action again on Saturday 25th March when they take on Cheltenham at The Hive. 

Hear a frustrated Kevin Nugent’s post match thoughts below: