Barnet were well on top for large spells of tonight's game at Woodside Park, but failed to take any of the numerous chances created throughout the ninety minutes.

Barnet edged an even opening first twenty minutes, the first real opportunity coming after some excellent work by Adam Birchall who saw his shot blocked by a defender with the rebound falling to Ashley Carew who drifted his shot wide.

In a rare foray forward for Stortford, Craig Edwards tested keeper Mikkel Andersen with a long range shot which was comfortably taken by the young Dane, who has joined on work experience from Reading and looked solid throughout the evening.

Rory May, on trial from Solihull also looked sharp and some strong hold up play set up Birchall who placed his shot wide as the half hour mark approached.

Soon after, Jason Puncheon created some space for himself on the edge of the area, but dragged his shot just wide of the near post.

The Bees were still dominating as half time approached, and they created two excellent chances just before the referee bought the half to an end.

Puncheon sent a superb corner into the box where Neal Bishop was waiting to crash a powerful header against the woodwork.

Just seconds later, Michael Leary, who put in a commanding midfield performance, did well to win the ball for himself, skipped through on goal but slotted his shot just the wrong side of the far post.

The second half was much the same story.

Neal Bishop again went close on 55 minutes when presented with an excellent opportunity on the edge of the box. The battling midfielder curled his shot just wide of the mark.

Jason Puncheon tried his luck with a powerful low shot from 35 yards out soon after, and Michael Leary was even more audacious with an effort from the halfway line which was not far over Andrew Young's crossbar.

Stefan Seanla, a second half substitute, nearly provided another goal for Ismail Yakubu after the two combined on Saturday against Crystal Palace. Seanla sent a low cross in from the left, and Yakubu's poke towards goal was well stopped at point-blank range by Young.

Anthony Thomas, who had also come on in the second half had a great chance on 67 minutes. After a superb turn round the defender, his one-on-one effort was again blocked by Young.

Thomas again went close with a free kick which was spilt by the Stortford keeper, who somehow managed to block Neal Bishop's close range rebound.

As the final whistle approached, there was still more time for the Bees to continue to go close. Ashley Carew fired wide after good work out wide, and Liam Hatch pulled his shot just across the goal in the dying seconds.

An encouraging performance in all, but unfortunately lacking in front of goal when it mattered. The next action is on Saturday at Northwood.

Barnet: Andersen, Porter, Yakubu, Burton, Glele, Carew, Bishop, Leary, Puncheon, May, Birchall Subs: Trebbs, Thomas, Bostwick, Seanla, Nicolau, Burton, Hendon

Bishop's Stortford: Young, Henry, Wright, Edwards, Goodacre, Stanbrook, Langer, Mason, Essandoh, Gaisie, Taylor Subs: Midson, Wright, Martin, Champion, Driver, Patten, Jones, Beech, Lunan

Att: 202

James Harrison