Graham Stack says Barnet must follow the fearless example of their younger players after admitting nerves got the better of them in their first half display at Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.

The Bees drew 1-1 at Aggborough but were below par in the first period and fell behind to a Danny Wright header before half-time.

But a change of system in the second half allowed Martin Allen’s side to draw level through Luisma Villa, with full-backs Johnson and Andy Yiadom integral to the turnaround. And the visitors could easily have claimed all three points had it not been for resolute Kidderminster defending.

With Bristol Rovers only drawing 1-1 at Dover Athletic, a win against Gateshead at The Hive on Saturday will secure the Conference title for Barnet, regardless of what the Gas do at home to Alfreton Town.

Reflecting on the draw in Worcestershire, Stack stated: “In the first half, yes, it was going to be nervous. You look at top teams around Europe and all around the world, when they need results, points and goals to clinch titles and cups you get that.

“We have got a few young boys in there but I thought our young boys handled it brilliantly. Elliott (Johnson) I thought was outstanding at 20 years of age. He did not look like he had a care in the world out there and played with freedom and I think that is what we need to do as players.”

The player-coach added: “At any level of any sport, [be it] darts or snooker, there are people missing easy pots and easy checkouts and it is going to happen because it is human nature. We have got to deal with that.”

At one stage during a dramatic afternoon the Bees had surrendered top spot to Rovers, who were 1-0 up at Dover and looking like being in the ascendency ahead of the final day of the season.

However, a Ricky Modeste equaliser at The Crabble and a cool Luisma Villa finish for the Bees ensured the table stays the same ahead of Saturday’s final round of fixtures; Barnet one point ahead.

Asked whether his overriding emotion was relief or delight, Stack replied: “Disappointment really because we have not won the game and having not won the game we have obviously not had a chance at winning the league here today.

“But to find out they (Bristol Rovers) dropped points at Dover, which I always felt was going to be a tough game for them, I am just a little bit disappointed with the start. If we had started a bit better than we did we would have given ourselves a real chance [of winning].”

Stack continued: “To have started as poorly as we did and to see what we were capable of in the second half was like two different teams. We were relentless in the second half and created some brilliant chances and should have won the game.

“It was not a typical performance from us in that first half and we got punished for it. We switched off from a free-kick and we got punished for it. I should have done better with the goal – it was disappointing from my point of view – but the reaction was exactly what you would ask for.”

You can read Martin Allen’s reaction to the draw by clicking here.