In a week where two strikers left The Hive an end product was all Barnet were missing as they drew 0-0 at home to Carlisle United.

Top scorer John Akinde was sat in the stand for reasons unknown whilst Aaron McLean and Kevin Lisbie saw their Bees careers surprisingly ended this week.

Martin Allen went with Michael Gash, goalless since the beginning of November, and Shaun Batt, yet to score this season, up front.

The end result? A blank for the Bees.

Chris Hackett, signed on loan from Northampton Town on Tuesday, was handed his debut in place of the suspended Andy Yiadom as Allen made three changes from the side which beat Bristol Rovers last weekend.

Batt was handed just his second league start of the season in place of Akinde. McLean – who left this week for Ebbsfleet United – was replaced by Gash.

Two other new signings, Mark Randall and Alie Sesay, were both named as substitutes.

The opening period was low on quality and chances as both sides struggled to keep possession on a fast deteriorating surface.

But it was Barnet who came the closest when Gavin Hoyte, fresh from scoring his first professional goal a week ago, side-footed Luke Gambin’s cross over on the volley.

A minute later Batt bustled past his marker before slamming narrowly wide of the far post.

Carlisle hit back at the halfway point of the first period as Jason Kennedy controlled a clearance on his chest and directed a dipping volley just wide.

Bees debutant Hackett was arguably fortunate not to see red after half an hour for planting his studs into the chest of Danny Grainger.

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Debutant Chris Hackett was lucky to avoid a red card for a poor first half challenge. Picture: Len Kerswill

It was a poor challenge, reminiscent of Nigel de Jong’s on Xabi Alonso in the 2010 World Cup Final. Hackett’s version had rather less aggression about it, though, and he escaped with a booking.

Ten minutes before the break the Bees had a strong penalty appeal waved away as the lively Batt appeared to be hauled down by defender Mark Ellis.

Bees boss Allen attempted to change things just before the hour by handing Sesay a debut and bringing Tom Champion into midfield in a 4-5-1 system.

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Shaun Batt meets Luke Gambin's cross but is unable to test Mark Gillespie. Picture: Len Kerswill

Almost immediately Barnet created another chance. Gambin crossed from the left for Batt but the striker’s header wasn’t powerful enough to trouble Cumbrians keeper Gillespie.

Gambin, following on from a string of fine recent performance, was again looking the most likely to make something happen for the Bees.

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Luke Gambin evades a challenged from Michael Raynes to play a pass. Picture: Len Kerswill

And never more so than when he carried the ball from Barnet’s half to the edge of the Carlisle penalty area, earning a corner with a shot which hit the one covering defender.

Batt had even better chance shortly after. But after breaking through and cutting inside the former Leyton Orient man lost his footing and fell over at the crucial moment.

Carlisle retained a threat, though, and it took a smart stop from Stephens at his near post to deny Hallam Hope after 70 minutes.

But genuine chances weren’t forthcoming from there and Barnet were left to settle for a point.

Barnet: Stephens; Hoyte, N'Gala, Dembele, Johnson; Hackett (Sesay 58), Weston (c) (Randall 76), Togwell, Gambin; Batt, Gash (Champion 58).

Subs: McKenzie-Lyle (GK), Muggleton, Nwogu, Taylor.

Carlisle United: Gillespie, Atkinson, Ellis, Raynes, Grainger (c); Joyce, Kennedy, Hery (Sweeney 83); Hope (Gilliead 72), Wyke, Ibehre (Asamoah 89).

Subs: Hanford (GK), Miller, Dicker, Archibald-Henville.

Referee: Stephen Martin.

Attendance: 2,079 (559 away supporters).