This week's ratings smack of a team bereft of star performers, and instead showcases the all-important grit needed to grind out results against the league's so-called lesser sides.
The result completes a rare but welcome league double for the Magpies, although few will argue victory was down to the standard of opposition rather than the brilliance of the Magpies'performance.
Match Ratings (average 6 out of 10):
Josh Lillis 6 - The young 'stopper will have busier afternoons in his fledgling career, but managed to deliver what little was asked of him.
Phil Picken 6 - A generally steady performance from the one-time Manchester United trainee who linked well with Hamshaw throughout. Made
one defensive error in conceding a ridiculous corner, but played his part in only the Magpies' fifth shutout in League Two this season.
Jamie Clapham 6.5 - An assured performance that again provided the bedrock for Myles Weston to bound forward at will. Despite lacking a yard of pace, the former Birmingham City man is canny in possession and takes a mean free-kick, too.
Mike Edwards 6 - A fairly quiet afternoon for Edwards, who was rarely troubled by the presence of John O'Flynn and Paul Furlong in the Barnet attack.
Michael Johnson 6 - Managed to silence the attacking prowess of a side who've now managed just six goals in as many games. Like Clapham, put his experience of life in the game's upper reaches to good use.
Matthew Hamshaw 7 *STAR MAN* - If this performance was one of eleven equals, then the former Stags man was perhaps more equal than most. Despite a quiet first 20 minutes, the winger capitalised on some defensive uncertainties to bag a sensational opener, as well as providing breathtaking passes for his strikers either side of half-time.
Myles Weston 6.5 - Despite being upstaged by his fellow wide man, the 20-year-old's trickery asked constant questions of the Barnet defence, to which
they struggled to find answers to.
John Thompson 6 - A flawless performance from the deputy midfielder, who perhaps suffered from the lack of a creative influence (cue Nowland, Butcher) alongside him.
Nathaniel Wedderburn 6 - A fairly steady showing from the youngster, despite failing to quell the visitors' only threat in the form of playmaker, Neal Bishop.
Delroy Facey 6.5 - Lead the line well in the absence of Jamie Forrester, who was sidelined through a toe injury. Showed good strength but should have done better in converting a delightful Matt Hamshaw cross.
Ben Fairclough 6.5 - The former Forest man did his chances of an extended run in the side no harm, as his blistering pace added another dimension in attack. Will count himself unlucky not to have marked his full league debut with a goal after hitting the crossbar from close range.
Substitutes:
Richard Butcher (Fairclough '67) 6 - A welcome return for Butcher after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and twice could have extended the Magpies' lead.
Adam Tann (Johnson '78) 6 - Typically uncompromising despite having little time to impress.
Canham (Facey '86) 6 - The striker made little impact in his three minutes on the pitch, and looks to have slipped further down the pecking order in light of Fairclough's start.
Subs not used: Strachan, Nowland.