Stockport County 2 Barnet 0

Perhaps Barnet fans have been spoilt of late.

They have been getting used to some swashbuckling performances of bravado and desire.

Though the Bees have not always got the results they may have deserved, the supporters have been treated to some first-class entertainment and the majority have been more than content in the knowledge that their heroes are at least having a go. And that, after all, is surely what it is all about.

It made Saturday's dire show at Edgeley Park all the more mystifying and disappointing. Was this really the same team that had given Martin Allen's high-flying MK Dons a real game the week before? You would not have thought it.

Barnet were dreadful. They did not create a chance until they were 2-0 down and an hour had elapsed. Then, they failed to create anymore after that.

Manager Paul Fairclough made no excuses and was as bemused as everyone else by the lack of effort and inability to match a side that did not look much better than the Bees. He described the performance as pathetic' and shocking', and admitted that the fans deserved better.

Not since Accrington Stanley in August have Barnet played so poorly, so there is at least consolation in that. Sadly, this was a return to some of the dismal displays away from home last season, but, after showing such promise in recent games, it was difficult to comprehend.

Fairclough admitted that the side had taken a step backwards. It is a good job teams cannot lose points.

With both clubs at the wrong end of the table, neither looked too bothered about getting off to a good start.

A lacklustre opening half-hour brought just one chance. Tony Dinning sent a free-kick just past the upright on 13 minutes.

The opening goal came out of the blue. You wonder how many dozing fans actually missed it.

There seemed little danger when the ball was played forward into the Barnet box, but Tes Bramble brilliantly turned the flat-footed Anthony Charles and suddenly found himself with just Lee Harrison to beat. The Barnet keeper did well to block his shot but David Poole lashed home the rebound from close range.

It was game over five minutes into the second half. Charles headed out an Ashley Williams' ball, but Adam Le Fondre, with his back to goal 12 yards out, hit a superb overhead kick that gave Harrison no chance.

The Bees carved out their only real effort on goal five minutes later, but Tresor Kandol's looping header from a Nicky Bailey cross came back off the crossbar. It was the only time the home defence had any cause for panic.

Ross Flitney replaced the limping Harrison on the hour and Fairclough sent on Barry Cogan and Magno Vieira to liven things up.

Though Barnet started to enjoy much more possession, they failed to get even close to the home goal until injury time. Nicky Nicolau hit a free-kick well wide and Kandol headed an Ian Hendon cross straight at the keeper from distance. They were half-chances at the best and the phrase too little, too late' would be an understatement.

Liam Dickinson clipped the post from a tight angle at the other end before the final whistle put the travelling Barnet faithful out of their misery.