Three second half goals saw Barnet beaten 3-0 at home by Oxford United who underlined their promotion credentials at The Hive.

Two strikes from Callum O'Dowda and a third from substitute Danny Hylton sealed the win and ensured there would be no repeat of the Bees' shock 3-2 win at the Kassam Stadium in October.

Barnet head coach Martin Allen made three changes to his starting line-up from the team that drew 1-1 at York City last weekend.

Sam Togwell, Mark Randall and Tom Champion made way for Curtis Weston, Bondz N’Gala and Sam Muggleton.

Both teams set about each other in a determined fashion from the first whistle with John Akinde having an effort for the Bees with less than a minute played.

In the third minute, in a breakaway move following a Barnet corner, Jamie Stephens kept out an effort from Oxford’s O’Dowda with both teams intent on creating numerous chances in the first-half.

Weston then had a shot from the edge of the box that went close and with James Pearson, from the full-back position, using the ball intelligently out of defence, the Bees always looked a dangerous proposition going forward.

In the 19th minute the crowd began an emotional minute’s applause in memory of Chris East, a 19-year-old supporter who tragically died on his way to Barnet’s previous home match against Hartlepool on March 5.

Even while the ball was in play Allen applauded, as did several of his players and well the considerable travelling support from Oxford.

Barnet keeper Stephens was called upon several times before the end of the first half to prevent the visitors taking a lead but Barnet were just shading the contest at the break.

In the opening moments of the second half Barnet were again on the offensive with Luke Gambin and Weston again narrowly failing to get on the scoresheet.

But as the half progressed the visitors were beginning to look increasingly dangerous.

In the 53rd minute O’Dowda capitalised. The Bees failed to complete a clearance and O’Dowda netted from a narrow angle.

Suddenly all the effort Barnet had used to keep the Oxford at bay was beginning to take its toll.

The skilful Fumnaya Shomotun was then introduced from the bench for the Bees but before he could make an impact Oxford extended their lead.

O’Dowda scored Oxford’s second 12 minutes later. He followed up his own effort which had initially been parried by Stephens to give Barnet a proverbial mountain to climb to get back into the game.

The U’s were now in a position to assume control of the match and were able to keep the Bees at arm’s length.

In the closing moments substitute Hylton hit a powerful shot from close range to seal the victory.

Barnet: Stephens; Pearson, Nelson, N’Gala, Johnson; Yiadom, Weston, Sesay (Batt 53), Gambin (Shomotun 60), Muggleton (Togwell 65); Akinde.

Subs: McKenzie-Lyle (GK), Vilhete, Champion, Randall.

Oxford United: Buchel; Kenny, Dunkley, Mullins, Skarz; MacDonald, Sercombe; Lundstram, O'Dowda (Bowery 67), Roofe; Waring (Hylton 80).

Subs: Slocombe (GK), Wright, Ruffels, Maguire, Evans.

Referee: Scott Duncan.

Attendance: 3,264 (1568 Oxford United supporters).