Notts County were forced to share the spoils on their visit to The Hive as missed chances in a dominant first-half display came back to haunt Luke Williams’ side.
In a one-sided first half, the Magpies were rewarded three minutes from half-time, with National League top scorer Macaulay Langstaff pulling off an exquisite attacking move to take his tally to 37 for the season.
But the visitors broke from a routine of set pieces, with Jordan Cropper’s long throw-in finding the head of Idris Kanu to get past Tiernan Brooks and end their miserable record against the Magpies.
READ MORE: Notts County team news against Barnet as defender missing after midweek hit
The Notts boss made three changes since the win over Eastleigh in midweek: Aden Baldwin, unable to recover from a minor blow against the Spitfires, was replaced by Geraldo Bajrami, while Kyle Cameron returned to captain the side with Sam Austin preferred in midfield that saw Jodi Jones. and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans fall to the bench.
And it was the visitors who adapted to his pace early on, with the left side proving to be an early avenue Notts was looking to exploit – Chicksen and Cameron combined nicely to force an early opening ahead of Ruben Rodrigues’s dangerous ball at the area. he was picked up over Barnet’s netting with Langstaff lying in wait.
The one-way traffic continued and this time the National League’s leading scorer was able to hit a cross into the box, only to see his effort magnificently saved by Laurie Walker at his near post.
In what appeared to be a replica of a one-team training session, the Williams side continued to dominate and nearly unlocked Bee’s defense when Austin’s pass from behind found Chicksen in space, his cross looking for Langstaff in the back. area bypassed by Barnet. defender and forcing Walker to move the ball away.
But another truly quality play from the visitors was able to break the deadlock: this time, patient construction landed the ball at the feet of Rodrigues, who sent the ball Nemane’s way, with his cross aimed at the first. by Langstaff. to score his 37th goal of the campaign.
But on the stroke of half time, the Magpies suffered a hammer blow from a corner, with Jordan Cropper’s useful long throw-in proving effective as Kanu rose higher to power a header off the crossbar and over the line to give the team local an advantage. goal very against the development of the game.
The second period brought a more even feel to the contest, with both sides creating very little early on, forcing Williams to make an attacking change at the hour mark, with Lemonheigh-Evans and Jones brought into the action. .
And the Magpies managed to create a chance four minutes after arrival: Rodrigues’ deflected cross narrowly evaded Langstaff’s header in the box, with the Portuguese rallying the traveling 1064 Notts fans to help lead them to another three points. important.
However, a point could have easily gone to nothing four minutes before time, with Courtney Senior keeping the ball in play down the left side before feeding Harry Pritchard, but as he closed in on goal, Tiernan Brooks held his ground to save with his feet
And there was still time for another twist late on when Rodrigues’s ball inside the box found Chicksen at the back post, with his cut-back finding Lemonheigh-Evans inside the box who headed in from six yards.
This is how we rate the players at The Hive Stadium.
Tiernan Brooks – 6
That first clean sheet still eludes him, but not for those who try. He made an important late save to preserve the point.
kyle cameron – 6.5
He looked to continually connect with Chicksen and Austin down the right, producing several tempting balls in the box as he pushed his team down the field.
Geraldo Bajrami – 6
Another composed performance from the Albanian, who coped well with the physical presence of Nicke Kabamba throughout the afternoon and frustrated Barnet’s number nine, but had some momentary lapses in concentration.
Connell Rawlinson-6
He again looked solid defensively and solid aerially with Barnet’s route one approach – he’ll consider himself lucky to give Kanu possession in a dangerous area.
Adam Pollosen – 6
They looked threatening in the first half and provided some excellent balls in attacking areas, but frustrated in the second, being caught offside in promising situations and wasting possession.
Aaron Nemane – 7
He always looked like a threat when running towards his opponents, managing to get another assist with his cut for Langstaff in the first half.
matty palmer-7.5
He directed the game from midfield alongside Bostock, dropping deep to create attacking opportunities while remaining solid defensively throughout.
John Bostock – 6.5
He continues to dispel the myth that he can’t play alongside Palmer, stretching the game with the balls open and the composure in possession, his needed substitution to provide that extra energy off the bench.
Sam Austin-6
He seemed lively and was trying to tie the game between midfield and attack, perhaps unfortunate to see his number up on the hour.
Ruben Rodrigues – 7
He played a pivotal role in Notts’ attacking game, finding much joy in that reverse pass from behind that led to Langstaff’s opening goal. He worked hard throughout and created some good chances with balls into the box.
Macaulay Langstaff – 7
He received his first goal of the afternoon very well, finishing under great pressure inside the box. He ran the line well, but had no chances in the second half.
SUBS:
jodi jones – 6
He injected that pace into the final third, but the final product was missing.
Connor Lemonheigh Evans – 6
He put himself down during his time on the field, simply unable to make the impact his coach would have wanted, missing out on a great opportunity late on.