Starting brightly, Barnet pushed forward from the off – Campbell-Ryce driving into the area and setting Tutonda for a snap shot that forced an early save from Stevenage Keeper Day in the first few minutes.
Champion and Bover battled hard in midfield to win tackles and headers on a heavy and unforgiving pitch.
The Bees tried to break quickly when they could – Curtis Weston, back in the starting line-up from injury, looked to release Akinde on 6 minutes.
Akinde’s first sniff of goal came on 12 minutes, latching on to a long ball, but he was unable to muscle off the Stevenage to get his shot away.
The deadlock was broken on 12 minutes when a deflected effort from Tom Pett diverted its way past the helpless Jamie Stephens in goal.
The Bees continued to press forward, Akinde holding the ball up in attack to bring in midfielders Weston, Campbell-Ryce and Bover.
On 23 minutes, Weston tried his luck from outside the box, but was denied by Day in the Stevenage goal.
Bover did what we could to switch the play and catch Stevenage on the break, a fine cross field ball finding Akinde who was unable to capitalise on the pass.
The best chance of the half did fall to Akinde when he was sent through one-on-one with the Keeper, only to be denied by Day’s right handed save.
The Bees went into the break 1-0 down, but still with everything to play for.
After the interval Barnet again pressed forward, but were caught on the break early on, with two efforts from Godden forcing saves from Stephens.
Akinola tried his luck from long range on 51 minutes, his shot flying past Stevenage’s right hand post.
On 53 minutes, Tutonda and Campbell-Ryce linked well for Akinde who’s close range shot didn’t really test Day.
Another break from Campbell-Ryce on 71 minutes set Akinola for half a chance, with the Bees still pressing for the equaliser.
Bees again pressed a few minutes later when Bover laid off for Akinde to shoot from inside the box.
Stevenage had an effort ruled offside on 80 minutes, much to the relief of the Bees faithful.
In the final minutes Barnet had their best chance to level the game when Dembele headed over from a corner.
Final Score: Stevenage 1-0 Barnet
Attendance: 3657
