The train for football Utopia will be departing from Underhill at 4pm.

Barnet could have made this announcement at many of their games this season, and not just on Saturday when manager Paul Fairclough likened his side to a steam train.

How often have the Bees only got going in the second half?

Fairclough, speaking after his troops had swept aside the Shakers in another dazzling second 45 minutes, said: "You have to get a steam train up to 212 to move it. If you are only up to 211, it's not going to move. We needed to find that one degree and, when we did, we were an unstoppable force."

The first half had been a disappointing affair, with little to separate the two sides.

However, it was all change after the break and Bury struggled to get out of their own half.

Adam Birchall struck a brace to make it four goals in three games, and was only denied a hat-trick by a fine save from keeper Jim Provett, though Cliff Akurang was on hand to tap in the rebound, completing another fine afternoon for the fast-improving Bees.

Fairclough was full of praise for Birchall.

"He was where he needed to be at the right time. We know what he is capable of doing and he could have had a hat-trick. He has done exceptionally well lately."

However, this was another solid team performance against a side also in fine form.

Fairclough added: "It was pleasing. Bury have had a fantastic run and they looked a good side. They were certainly the better side in the opening 30 minutes.

"We had a lot to talk about at half-time and it was a good second-half performance."

Fairclough wants to finish the season on a high, providing plenty of entertainment for the fans along the way.

"If we can continue to score plenty of goals, maybe we will get a few more coming to see us before the season is out," he said.

Of course, this was Barnet's penultimate home game. They have now won four out of their last five games at Underhill, and Fairclough will be keen to take that form into next season.

He believed the new South Stand, the Bees are often kicking towards it in the second half, had been a big factor, with fans doing their bit to drive the players on.

While there was no specific reason why Barnet often saved their best for after the interval, Fairclough had one suggestion.

"Half-times are vital," he said. "I ask the players what they need to do to improve, and they go out and try to do it. They are self-managing really."

Whatever words were said on Saturday, the players certainly put them into practice.

They came out all guns blazing and the Shakers suddenly found it was themselves doing all the shaking.

The opener came on 57 minutes. Neal Bishop stabbed the ball forward to Birchall, who eluded one defender, before steering it past the advancing Provett into the far corner.

With 20 minutes to go, sub Akurang's cross left Ben Futcher all at sea. He only succeeded in teeing the ball up for Birchall to slot home from six yards. It was a gift.

It could have been more, the Bees now in total control, but they had to wait until three minutes from time to wrap it up.

This time Birchall saw Provett dive low to push out his goalbound effort, but Akurang strolled in to slot the loose ball home from two yards.

BARNET (4-4-2): Harrison; Devera (Parkes 90), Burton, Leary, Nicolau; Adomah, Bishop (Carew 86), Porter, Puncheon; Birchall, Thomas (Akurang 66). Subs not used: Carpenter (GK), Grazioli.

Bookings: None.

Best Bee: Adam Birchall.