Barnet’s disappointing start to the season continued as the Bees suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rochdale.

Two first half goals settled the contest. Dale went ahead as Ashley Grimes slotted home from close range before Dele Adebola doubled the lead.

Barnet rarely looked like scoring throughout the match and the Bees are still searching for their first win of the campaign. Mark Robson made three changes to his starting XI with Olvier Lee, Jake Hyde and Graham Stack replacing Jon Nurse, Anthony Edgar and Liam O’Brien.

The Bees nearly fell behind in the opening minutes as a cross was flicked towards goal by Grimes. Fortunately for Barnet the ball struck the inside of the post and was cleared.

Robson’s men began to control the contest after the chance but didn’t create a clear opportunity to test Josh Lillis.

After 16 minutes, Barnet went behind. George Donnelly didn’t connect properly with a free-kick from distance but the ball reached Grimes who reacted quickly to fire past Stack.

It was a largely uneventful first period as both teams found it difficult to keep possession.

However, the home side doubled their lead just after the half hour mark. A good run from Matt Pearson allowed him space to shoot. His effort was deflected but dropped to Adebola who poked the ball home.

Barnet didn't create any real opportunities in the opening 45 minutes and their best effort was from Andy Yiadom.

The winger exchanged passes with Barry Fuller before sending a cross into the box. It was over-hit but nearly caught out Lillis as the ball struck the crossbar.

Robson decided against making changes at the interval and Barnet started the second period the brighter of the two sides.

But the Bees again couldn’t break down the Dale defence who looked solid throughout the contest.

Ricky Holmes sent a shot wide from distance as Barnet continued to lack a goal threat.

A fine moment of individual skill nearly put the game out of the Bees reach. Adebola did well to hold off substitute Abdulla before drifting past Saville and Fortune. He made room for a shot but Stack blocked his effort.

Lillis’ first real action of the game arrived with 20 minutes remaining as Curtis Weston forced the host’s keeper into a good stop before Jake Hyde came close with a header.

In the closing minutes the Bees nearly pulled a goal back. Substitute Edgar clipped a cross to the back post, Hyde did well to find space but his header narrowly missed the target with Lillis beaten.

It was a match where Rochdale looked comfortable throughout and it doesn’t get any easier for the Bees as former Barnet manager Martin Allen brings his Gillingham side to Underhill next weekend.

Barnet: Stack, Fuller, Fortune, Saville, Brown; Lee, Weston, Byrne; Yiadom, Holmes, Hyde.

Barnet substitutes: Kamdjo, Abdulla, Warren, Edgar, Cowler, Gambin, Lowe.

Rochdale: Lillis; Pearson, McIntyre, P.Edwards, R.Edwards; Barry-Murphy, Kennedy, Tutte; Donnelly, Grimes, Adebola.

Rochdale substitutes: Rafferty, Bennett, Putterill, Curran, Grant, Craney, Smith.