Barnet’s first official pre-season game at The Hive Stadium ended in a 1-0 defeat against Ipswich Town however there were plenty of positives for the Bees.

A David McGoldrick header shortly before the interval secured the win but Barnet created the better opportunities throughout the game, including a missed Mark Byrne penalty, and trialists Luisma and Roberto both impressed.

The Bees made a composed start against their Championship opponents. Keanu Marsh-Brown sent an early shot wide of the post before Harry Crawford had a goal-bound effort well blocked.

Curtis Weston came close to breaking the deadlock with a fine strike which was well saved by former England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Ipswich threatened sporadically in the opening 45 minutes but Graham Stack did have to produce a good stop to push over a Daryl Murphy strike.

Barnet were awarded a penalty midway through the first half after Crawford was upended in the area by Luke Chambers. Byrne stepped up but his low strike towards the corner was saved well by Loach.

Four minutes before the interval Ipswich went ahead. Edgar Davids conceded a free kick 25 yards out and Aaron Cresswell’s cross was headed into the corner by McGoldrick.

The Bees made a change at the interval with Luisma replacing Marsh-Brown.

The first chance of the second period went to the visitors. A cross into the Barnet penalty area wasn’t properly cleared and Murphy found space to shoot. Fortunately for the Bees his effort cleared the crossbar.

Barnet hadn’t threatened the Ipswich goal in the early stages of the half but the Bees created several chances in quick succession.

Luisma fired wide before Andy Yiadom’s low drive was deflected past the post. From the resultant corner Anthony Acheampong had an effort blocked and David Stephens drilled a strike wide.

Ipswich made several changes as the half progressed and they lacked fluency in their play.

Barnet looked the more likely to score the second goal of the contest and Yiadom forced Loach into a very good stop from distance.

Luisma impressed throughout the half and he created the Bees best chance to draw level. A sublime touch over a defender allowed him room in the area and he passed for fellow trialist Roberto who shot inches wide.

Ultimately the Bees efforts went unrewarded. They performed well for large spells of the contest and matched Ipswich for the majority of the game.

Barnet continue their pre-season campaign on Tuesday with a trip to Hendon.

Barnet: Stack; Yiadom, Acheampong, Stephens, Johnson; Weston (Vose 84), Davids (Roberto 71), Byrne; Marsh-Brown (Luisma 45), Gambin (Hyde 63); Crawford.

Barnet substitutes: Cowler, Saville, Vose, Vilhete, Hyde, Sykes, Roberto, Luisma.

Ipswich Town: Loach, Hewitt, Chambers (Bramble 66), Smith (Mings 66), Cresswell (October 72), Hammond (Veseli 45), Skuse, Wordsworth, Tabb (Lawrence 72), Murphy (Hyam 66), McGoldrick (Nouble 45).

Ipswich Town substitutes: Crowe, Veseli, Bramble, Mings, October, Lawrence, Hyam, Berkane, Carson, Chopra, Nouble.