Two goals from Shaun Batt helped a Barnet reserve team to a 4-4 draw against Southend United.

Mathew Stevens and Fumnaya Shomotun also found the net, in a pulsating encounter at The Hive.

The visitors struck first, before two goals gave Barnet the advantage at the break.

Southend pulled one back but the Bees stormed into a 4-2 lead in the second half.

However two strikes in the last ten minutes for the Shrimpers meant that the match finished as a high-scoring draw.

Speaking after the game, Development Coach Ross Eames said:

“To carry on the Under 21’s development we went quite expansive with a 3-4-3 formation.

“That also suited the players that we had available to us today.

“We had one recognised defender in the team, with two central midfielders playing as centre-backs.

“We want them to be able to play as ball playing centre halves as well.

"We also wanted to dominate the ball from the back to the front three, using the midfield four in the process.

“The central midfield was in a diamond formation, to try and dominate in the middle of the park – and to use our passing and combinations to full effect.

“The three up front had power and pace; they’re very direct and can beat players when they’re one vs one.

“It was very expansive, but played to our strengths.

“It was attacking football that was exciting to watch.

“Everybody put a shift in, but a real positive was Shaun Batt.

“He played 90 minutes and scored two goals – his first goal was absolutely fantastic and he gave their centre-backs a torrid time.

“The other three goals were very well worked team goals.

“I was very pleased with the players’ work ethic.

“Both teams tried to play in difficult conditions because of the weather.

“There was good spirit and good inter-play from both sides.”

“Barnet’s front three were devastating when they got going, the midfield four played well, and the way that the back three stepped out with the ball was excellent.

“One thing that we will work on is game management – when you’re 4-2 up you should see the game out.

“That comes with experience.

“I’ve also got to look at myself as a coach, and think about how I should have helped them to see the game out – that’s food for thought as a coach that’s still developing as well.

“But overall the team gave a really good account of themselves, and acquitted themselves really well.”

BARNET (3-4-3): McKenzie-Lyle; Kennedy, Fonguck, Muggleton; Trialist, Trialist (Gater 70′), Shomotun, Stevens; Gondoh, Nwogu, Batt.