Fans often snub games that have nothing at stake.

But the people of Bradford didn't on Tuesday, and the 13,000-plus fans that came to Valley Parade were treated to a superb night's entertainment.

Neither side can go up or down, and perhaps that was what made this cracking encounter so good.

The pressure was off and the visitors, in particular, did not just come for a draw.

In the end, that is what Barnet got, but the performance, particularly in the first half, deserved more.

The Bees took the game to their hosts. While the attacking quartet of messrs Adomah, Birchall, Thomas and Puncheon caught the eye, Neal Bishop and Max Porter fought like mad in the middle, with the back four defending brilliantly.

For 45 minutes, Barnet played Bradford, a team that was only recently gracing the Premier League, off the park.

Nothing went right for the hosts, as the visitors hustled and harried them, with the trickery and pace of the front four causing havoc.

The only surprise was that the Bees only had one goal to show for their efforts. That came midway through the first half.

Thomas, a man not afraid to try his luck from distance, did so again with great effect on this occasion. His 25-yard drive almost broke the crossbar.

The hosts thought they had got away with it, but Birchall latched on to the rebound, taking advantage of some static defending, before placing a low shot into the corner from just inside the box.

Birchall had moments earlier been denied by keeper Scott Loach in a one-on-one situation. The striker, and top scorer, made no mistake this time.

The home fans were already showing their frustration, their heroes coming out second best in most challenges.

Barnet, growing more and more in confidence, should have extended their lead five minutes before the break. A lovely ball from Max Porter put Thomas in the clear, but Loach was out quickly to block his shot.

The Bees did not want the first period to end, having been in total control. In contrast, City could not wait to get to the changing rooms after a woeful display.

Though Barnet continued to look dangerous after the interval, they could not quite match the heights they had reached in the first half and the Bantams gradually came to life.

However, their 76th-minute equaliser did not really look like coming, Eddie Johnson rising at the near post to head home a Joe Colbeck corner.

Both sides might have gone on to win it, and it was not through lack of effort, but it was not to be.

This match felt like a cup tie at times. This was no end-of-season drudgery, and credit must go to both sets of players, particularly the visitors.

Barnet have five games left. If they are all as good as this one, supporters will not be complaining.

Perhaps they should do away with relegation and promotion? This match certainly testified to the fact that it is not all just about amassing points. The will to win is strong, even if the stakes are not that high.

BARNET (4-4-2): Harrison; Devera, Burton, Leary, Nicolau; Adomah, Bishop, Porter, Puncheon; Birchall, Thomas (Akurang 88). Subs not used: Parkes, Tabiri, Carew, Grazioli.

Attendance: 13,072.

Best Bee: Joe Devera.