It was the Bees who started the brighter of the two sides, Akinola took a great touch to get in behind the Cambridge defence, but he saw his shot saved by Forde.

Clough had a header saved before Cambridge’s first chance saw Azeez get in behind Santos but his low effort from a tight angle was saved by the legs of Jamie Stephens.

On the half our mark, Barnet were forced into an unwanted change as Jamie Stephens picked up a hamstring injury and was replaced by Craig Ross.

Just seven minutes before the break, the Bees had their best chance of the game. Watson set John Akinde through on goal. The forward attempted to lob Forde but the ball narrowly went over the bar.

Craig Ross was forced into a good save after the break. The ball came across to half time substitute David Amoo whose free header from point blank range was caught by the Bees ‘keeper.

Just after the hour mark, the hosts took the lead. Cambridge played through the Barnet defence, the ball fell to Maris who made no mistake from close range. 

There was to be no more real clear-cut chances for either side following the goal. Watson and Campbell-Ryce both had free kick opportunities which came to nothing and John Akinde got under a header and saw the ball fly over the crossbar.

Attendance- 4639 (229 Barnet fans)

Barnet FC – Stephens (Ross 32’), Brindley, Clough, Santos, Watson (Coulthirst 70’), Akinde, Campbell-Ryce, J. Taylor, Akinola, Fonguck, Blackman (Tutonda 67’)

Unused – Nelson, Vilhete, Nicholls, Sweeney.