Devera strikes late to earn Bees a point

The defender struck in injury time, just as it looked like the Bees were going to suffer another defeat.

The visitors were throwing everything at their hosts in the closing stages and got their reward, Devera heading home at the near post.

It was only his second goal for the club.

Though Barnet need wins at the moment, in the circumstances, they will be pleased to have at least come home with something.

The Bees created a whole host of chances throughout, but could not convert them.

It is a lack of goals which is now giving boss Paul Fairclough much cause for concern and it was perhaps no surprise the late equaliser should come from an unlikely source.

Hosts Cheltenham also carved out some good openings themselves and Barnet keeper Jake Cole had to pull off some fine saves.

The Robins had actually lost their last five games and, like the Bees, went down 3-0 last week.

However, both sides will be a lot happier with their defensive displays today.

Fairclough made two changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Torquay United last weekend.

The suspended Anthony Pulis was replaced by Mark Hughes, while captain Glen Southam returned at the expense of a striker - Izale McLeod, who dropped to the bench, Fairclough choosing to play just one up front.

Despite what many might think is a negative tactic, Barnet created plenty of chances.

But it looked like they would be made to pay for not converting any of them when Cheltenham struck on the hour, Wesley Thomas scoring from close range following good work from Keith Lowe.

But Devera saved the day, even if a point might not, ultimately, be enough to save Barnet at the end of the season.

The Bees can at least take heart from another battling performance. They make the short trip to Southend United this Tuesday.

BARNET (4-5-1): Cole; Kamdjo, Devera, Uddin, Parkes; Southam (McLeod 67), Fraser (Jarvis 80), Hughes, Deering, Marshall; Kabba. Subs not used: Coulton (GK), Dunleavy, Cox, Stimson, Vilhete.

Attendance: 2,926.