Barnet manager Ian Hendon slammed his defence after his side twice failed to hold on to the lead in Tuesday night's thrilling 3-3 draw with Grimsby Town.

Hendon said: "It was an exciting game. I couldn't have asked much more going forward. We created enough chances to have won three games, but defensively we were poor to say the least. To say I am unhappy is an understatement."

The Bees are still looking for their first win under Hendon, and have not won at Underhill since early October.

But at least they never lost this clash. With both sides starting the game level on points just above the relegation zone, neither could afford to lose.

Despite so much at stake, you could not say either side were cautious, and it made for a cracking contest on a freezing night at Underhill.

Hendon also made a point of thanking the many fans who helped clear the pitch of snow to ensure the game went ahead. For the entertainment value, it proved worthwhile.

However, three points is what Hendon and Barnet really need at the moment, especially with Bournemouth, occupying the final relegation place, now just eight points adrift.

Barnet struck twice in two first-half minutes, the excellent Yanick Bolasie driving home from distance. Neal Bishop freed the on-loan winger and the youngster hit an early shot that found the corner past the diving Phil Barnes.

Paul Furlong doubled the lead, heading home a Mark Hughes cross, but Grimsby responded soon after, keeper Ran Kadoch making a mess of a corner, with Ryan Bennett claiming the goal. Stuart Elliott then nodded in the equaliser at the back post just before half-time, the Barnet defence failing to pick him up.

The Bees played some lovely football after the break, with Bolasie and Albert Adomah in fine form, their pace and silky skills giving the Mariners' defence a torrid time.

Barnet restored the lead on the hour, when Adomah was tripped in the box, John O'Flynn drilling home the penalty.

But Grimsby refused to give up and Adrian Forbes pulled them level once more with a stunning overhead kick.

Though defensively Barnet were again a shambles, there were many positives at the other end of the pitch, particularly the performance of Bolasie, currently on a month's loan from Plymouth Argyle.

Hendon said: "On tonight's performance, I would like to extend his loan, but I can't get carried away with one performance."

Debutants Matt Lockwood and Hughes also earned praise from the boss. The pair have brought much needed experience to the side and slotted in well.

BARNET (4-4-2): Kadoch; Devera, Yakubu, Breen, Lockwood; Adomah (Deverdics 90), Hughes, Bishop, Bolasie; Furlong (Akurang 84), O'Flynn. Subs not used: Harrison, Porter, Birchall. Attendance: 1,554.