Bore draw does Notts no favours

A bumpy pitch and a swirling wind proved a handicap to both sets of players, but neither provided sufficient excuse for a game almost devoid of excitement and entertainment throughout the 90 minutes.

The first half was poor enough, but at least contained three clear-cut scoring chances, whereas none were created in a lifeless second period.

Jarvis... Had Notts' best chance

The first of three outstanding saves was made as early as the eighth minute when Barnet goalkeeper Rob Beckwith did exceedingly well to block a sharp finish by Notts County frontman Ryan Jarvis.

Then, on 34 minutes, with no other player near him Beckwith went down with an injury and had to be replaced by Lee Harrison.

Not long afterwards it was Harrison's turn to distinguish himself, this time with a terrific tip over the bar to deny Danny Crow, who was looking for his

Harrison... Off the bench to thwart Crow

second Notts goal in his loan period.

Between those Notts goal attempts Barnet had their best opportunity of the entire match on 18 minutes, when defender Kenny Gillet stole through from the back to test Russell Hoult, who parried brilliantly.

Neither Harrison nor Hoult was tested in the second half which was largely dominated by the Bees.

They came out after the break looking the hungrier of the two teams and applied a lot of pressure on the Notts back four.

Local boy Michael Johnson, who has just returned to Meadow Lane on loan from Derby County, was often the rock on which Barnet foundered, though they kept plugging away to the finish.