The first goal in the Football League for Anthony Thomas was enough to earn the Bees a point at near neighbours Dagenham and Redbridge. However given the number of chances created there is a hint of disappointment that the Bees did not leave Victoria Road with an away victory to their credit.

Daggers skipper Dave Rainford had a good opportunity to give the home side a lead when he headed over from a well delivered free kick as the Bees weathered the early storm.

Thomas and Adam Birchall had both gone close for the visitors before an alarming lapse of concentration in the heart of the Bees defence enabled Ben Strevens to capitalise and force the ball over the line to give the Daggers the lead.

Ex-Bee Strevens was in a determined mood to punish his previous employers, but the manner with which the Barnet defence conspired to present this opportunity for their former team mate borders on generosity.

This set back acted to rally the Bees who took the game to Dagenham in search of an equaliser although Chris Moore was a constant danger for the home side forcing Lee Harrison into several saves.

From the sidelines Bees boss Paul Fairclough was urging his team to keep passing the ball as some intricate passing movements in and around the Daggers penalty box looked likely to lead to an equaliser.

With only seconds left to play in the first half a cleverly worked free kick ploy set up Thomas who drove a well struck shot into the corner of the net. The celebrations were at first muted since the ball ricocheted against the advertising hoardings but the assistant referee was quick to signal the legitimacy of the goal.

Thomas had been in no doubt; he had about turned and was heading for the centre circle with arms raised in triumph.

The power of the shot had amazingly uprooted the netting and emergency repair work was needed to be carried out during the half-time break.

From a Bees perspective it was a shame that half-time came when it did. The visitors were playing the more inventive and expansive football and the momentum was with them.

Jason Puncheon, despite oozing class and confidence, could not quite impose his will on the game today, but still went close with several powerful drives from outside the box.

After serving his suspension Neal Bishop returned to bolster the Bees midfield, winning aerial battles all over the pitch he gave a performance which totally justified his immediate recall to the line-up.

In the home goal Tony Roberts was by far the busier keeper. He gave a acrobatic display that called upon all his experience and he was a key player for the Daggers as they held on for a draw.

Was the outcome one point gained or two points dropped was the question both Barnet players and Bees fans asked themselves at the final whistle. It would certainly have been a travesty had the Bees left empty handed but having dominated for long periods, especially in the first half, there is something about this solitary point that smacks of scant reward.

Attendance: 2,192 (526)

David Bloomfield