A goal from Luisma Villa was enough for Barnet to clinch a 1-0 victory against promotion rivals Kidderminster Harriers at The Hive.

The Spaniard struck in the first half as he tapped home a Kieran Cadogan corner from close range.

The Bees came under pressure in the second period but defended stoutly. Kidderminster created few opportunities and when the Barnet defence was breeched, Graham Stack was alert to deny the visitors.

Villa was dismissed in second half injury time after receiving a second yellow for kicking the ball away, however, it didn’t prove costly.

The Barnet starting XI had two changes from last weekend's FA Cup win against Concord Rangers. Andy Yiadom and Mark Byrne replaced Anthony Acheampong and Carl Fletcher.

Edgar Davids was on the touchline but Kidderminster manager Steve Burr wasn’t in attendance as he is in talks with Forest Green Rovers over their vacant manager position. 

The first half was even. Both sides were comfortable in possession but few chances were created.

Barnet striker Dani Lopez was stretchered off after 16 minutes with a suspected dislocated shoulder and Harry Crawford was introduced. It was Crawford’s first appearance in just under a month but he led the Bees attack well.

Keanu Marsh-Brown was a threat and created a good chance to break the deadlock. The winger evaded several challenges and worked his way into the penalty area. However, his shot comfortably cleared the crossbar.

The winger did play a role in the Barnet opener. He exchanged passes with Villa and the ball was cleared for a corner. Cadogan delivered his cross and the ball fell for Villa six yards out and he finished well.

Kidderminster immediately responded and Kyle Storer forced Stack into a low stop with a shot from distance.

The visitors improved after going behind and Michael Gash flicked a header over and Storer sent a header wide.

Barnet performed well throughout the half but looked most threatening on the counter.

A clever pass from Marsh-Brown was controlled by Crawford and he sent a shot towards goal which Danny Lewis pushed wide.

It was a solid first half from Barnet and they began the second period brightly. Villa came close to adding a second with a half volley that was cleared off the line by Mickey Demetriou.

The Bees looked comfortable after the break but struggled to test Lewis. The threat of a Kidderminster equaliser remained, however, the Barnet defence dealt with the visitors’ sporadic attacks.

There was a long delay midway through the half as Kidderminster’s Marvin Johnson received prolonged treatment.

His replacement, Joe Lolley, came close to making an immediate impact as he sent a shot from the edge of the area towards goal. Fortunately for the Bees, Stack saved.

The rest of the game was dominated by the visitors. There were eight minutes of added time but the Bees remained resolute.

Villa received a second booking in stoppage time for kicking the ball away. It didn’t prove costly though and Barnet held out to secure an important three points.

Barnet: Stack; Yiadom, Saville, Stephens, Vilhete; Byrne (Acheampong 90), Abdulla; Cadogan, Villa, Marsh-Brown (Mengerink 90); Lopez (Crawford 15).

Barnet substitutes: Jupp, Johnson.

Kidderminster Harriers: Lewis, Vaughan, Demetriou, Grimes, Gowling, Fowler, Storer, Jackman (Malbon 59), Dance (Morgan-Smith 79), Johnson (Lolly 71), Gash Kidderminster Harriers substitutes: Vaughan, Gittings.

Attendance: 1,557 (243).