Barnet, who pipped Bristol Rovers for the Conference title last season, defeated the promotion hopefuls courtesy of Gavin Hoyte’s first career goal.

In an eventful and intriguing match the Bees played the bulk of the second-half with ten men following the dismissal of skipper Andy Yiadom.

Bees boss Martin Allen made two changes to his starting line-up following their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Northampton Town last week.

Fit-again keeper Jamie Stephens was reinstated with Ian Lawlor being recalled by his parent club, Manchester City. Hoyte was selected at the expense of Tom Champion, who dropped to the bench.

The Bees started brightly and put the visitors under pressure from the first whistle.

This positive start was rewarded after just five minutes when Hoyte capitalised on defensive uncertainty and volleyed home following a long throw into the middle by Sam Togwell.

The Pirates responded with a wave of attacks of their own and from a cross from the left by Lee Brown, Rovers’ forward Ellis Harrison spurned an opportunity by heading weakly with Stephens collecting the ball with ease.

The visitors were determined to level but Barnet at home are a tough nut to crack and were defensively resolute throughout.

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The impressive Luke Gambin looks get the better of Daniel Leadbitter. Picture: Len Kerswill

On the left wing Luke Gambin was a constant menace for the Bees. The 22-year-old has now become a fixture in the team and looks very confident and composed when in possession.

In the 37th minute Togwell came close to extending Barnet’s lead when his header from the edge of the penalty area went just over the crossbar with Rovers’ keeper Steve Mildenhall scrambling to get back into position.

The Pirates started the second-half with renewed vigour but their attacks floundered when they encountered a Barnet rearguard determined not to relinquish their hard-fought advantage.

However, after Hoyte had misdirected a header into the path of Harrison, who had evaded a challenge by Dembele, Stephens was forced to save with his feet.

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Bira Dembele looks to get the better of James (15) and Ollie Clarke (8). Picture: Len Kerswill

But Rovers’ attempts on goal were mostly limited to long range efforts as they were rarely able to create genuine opportunities.

A surging run by Gambin and his pass into the feet of Akinde had looked set to see the Bees double their advantage but Mildenhall was alert to the danger.

Barnet’s chances of securing their first victory of 2016 were seemingly diminished when in the 57th minute Yiadom was shown a straight red card for a lunging tackle on Stuart Sinclair.

The decision was in contrast to much of the refereeing of Michael Bull who had up until this point adopted a lenient approach.

Now a man light, Barnet responded by assuming a 4-4-1 formation with midfielder Champion replacing striker Aaron McLean.

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Aaron McLean was sacrificed following Andy Yiadom's red card. Picture: Len Kerswill

A Stephens’ goal kick was then adversely affected by the windy conditions and Sinclair should have done better with this opportunity, but his was another wayward effort by the visitors.

Barnet were working overtime to deny space and time to their opponents and Rovers didn’t have sufficient guile to overcome the home side.

On their travels Barnet have repeatedly looked defensively frail but this victory was based on sound defending by the whole team when they were out of possession.

As the minutes ticked by Rovers were getting increasingly frustrated by the inability to level and they tired as the game entered its latter stages.

Barnet’s victory was hard won and the players’ dedication in securing three points against one of the better teams in the league was rewarded come the final whistle with extended and deserved applause.

Victory lifts Barnet to 15th, 14 points clear of the relegation zone. The Bees host Carlisle United at The Hive next Saturday.

Barnet: Stephens; Hoyte, N'Gala, Dembele, Johnson; Yiadom (c), Weston Togwell, Gambin; McLean (Champion 65), Akinde (Batt 80).

Subs: McKenzie-Lyle (GK), Gash, Stevens, Odofin, Taylor.

Bristol Rovers: Mildenhall; J.Clarke (Easter 64), Lockyer, Parkes, Leadbitter; Mansell (Lawrence 65), O.Clarke (Lines 45), Sinclair, Brown; Harrison, Taylor.

Subs: Preston (GK), McChrystal, Montano, Bodin.

Referee: Michael Bull.

Attendance: 2,770 (1262 away supporters).