Barnet edged ever nearer their National League opener at Aldershot Town and remain in positive mood despite a goalless draw against a West Ham United XI that extended their barren run in front of goal.

The Bees had to survive a big let off on Saturday, however, as an inspired first-half penalty save from Mark Cousins to deny Anthony Scully ensured that his side avoided defeat ahead of this weekend’s curtain raiser.

While cynics might point to the unwelcome stat that they have now failed to net in five of their seven pre-season matches, the nature of their performance at the Hive has provided plenty of encouragement for manager John Still who retains the belief that, when the real action starts, Barnet will be able to curb their profligate finishing.

“I was really pleased with how we played,” Still told the club website. “People have been saying we’re not scoring, and you’re right, but today we created a lot of chances and we have goalscorers.

“Dave Tarpey’s getting fit, he missed last year and he got in a couple of times and we’d normally expect him to score.

“I thought Josh Walker first half was very good, and obviously with Byron [Harrison] coming in he’s a little bit behind the others which is obvious. But he was a good focal point for us. I thought it was all positive today, I was very pleased.”

The 68-year-old has been calm and collected throughout pre-season, refusing to get too down by losses, like the ones at Northampton Town and at home to Ipswich Town, and instead tapping into his considerable experience to insist that pre-season is about the small details.

As expected, Still managed to seal two deals on the eve of the West Ham fixture as midfielder Medy Elito arrived following a successful trial to reunite with a manager he worked with at Dagenham, while the striking corps were reinforced with the capture of 31-year-old Harrison.

Elito, most recently with Cambridge United, nearly made it a debut to remember as he found the net, only for the linesman to belatedly raise his flag for offside.

But an injury to Andre Boucaud did threaten to dampen the anticipation for the Bees’ trip to Hampshire this weekend, with Still unsure of the extent of his injury but expressing faith that his side can withstand a prolonged absence.

“I don’t know yet,” Still said when asked about the severity of Boucaud’s injury. “I think we need 24, 48 hours to have a look at that.

“He’s very instrumental in how we play and I think Barnet supporters will be looking at him and realising that he is a very, very good player and he makes us play. We’ll find a way if Andre misses a game or two.”

He added: “I’m pretty clear on where I am. Pre-season’s great but I actually learn as much about players on the training ground as I do in the games, if I’m being honest.”