A headed equaliser from Curtis Weston earned the Bees a point in the West Country after a 1-1 draw with Exeter City following an open and exciting match which saw both goals come in the first half.

Had John Akinde converted a penalty midway the second-half Barnet could well have gone on to record their fourth away victory of the season but that would have been harsh on the Grecians who on occasions had the Bees pegged back in their own half.

Barnet manager Martin Allen gave two teenagers, midfielder Harry Taylor and winger Justin Nwogu, their first appearance in a starting line-up and they were clearly intent on making the most of this opportunity.

After not featuring since August, Barnet were able to welcome back from injury stalwart keeper Graham Stack who was on the substitutes' bench.

Taylor was partnered by the experienced Tom Champion in central midfield with Weston playing just behind central striker Akinde in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

The home side could have been ahead as early as the second minute when Jayden Stockley set up Ryan Harley but the Exeter midfielder saw his effort sail over the bar from close range.

Taylor was making his presence felt as he tackled keenly and passed the ball intelligently. Nwogu was having a quieter time of it, but on occasions he would burst into life down the right wing and it was clear the Bees have unearthed two players of promise.

In the 20th minute Exeter took the lead when a long raking pass from the left by Lee Holmes evaded Elliott Johnson at the far post to allow Stockley to power a header past Jamie Stephens.

Barnet responded positively and Exeter's lead would only last for seven minutes. Johnson showed great determination to take the ball down the left flank before delivering an enticing cross into the middle that found Weston whose header was expertly steered up and over Bobby Olejnik in the Exeter goal.

With half-time looming a Troy Brown header was cleared off the Barnet goal-line and Nwogu had a penalty appeal turned down as both sides set about forging a lead.

Exeter's impressive centre forward Stockley hit the post with a free-kick from the edge of the area early in the second half and Akinde would then strike a powerful shot from the edge of the both with both sides continuing to create openings.

Akinde won Barnet a penalty after 18 minutes of the second half when he was the victim of a clumsy challenge, but his spot-kick lacked power and was easily saved by Olejnik.

In their next attack the home side very nearly took the lead but Harley was again wayward when well placed.

The home side continued to pepper the Barnet goal but the visitors were resolute with Stephens sound and secure once more for Bees.

Ultimately Barnet showed enough qualities to deserve a point in the bright sunshine at St James Park.

Exeter City: Olejnik, Ribeiro (Nicholls 85), Brown, Moore-Taylor, Woodman, Watkins, Harley, Oakley, Holmes, Wheeler (Taylor 74), Stockley. Subs not used: McAllister, Morrison, Tillson, Pym, Grant.

Barnet: Stephens, Pearson, N'Gala, Nelson, Johnson (Gambin 40), Yiadom, Champion (Gash 72), Taylor, Nwogu (Shomotun 45), Weston, Akinde. Subs not used: Stack, Togwell, Stevens, Sesay.

Referee: Trevor Kettle.

Attendance: 4,389 (228 Barnet supporters).