Whether a point won against an in-form side, or two dropped as The Shots again struggled to re-establish Fortress Rec, this at least allowed Aldershot Town to reach the psychological milestone of amassing 50 points from their debut season back in the Football League.

Although essentially a dead game, with both sides mathematically safe from relegation, this proved an entertaining diversion for the Bank Holiday crowd, and either set of supporters could lay claim to deserving a victory that was fought for right up until the final whistle.

And having conceded an all-too-familiar soft, early goal, Aldershot Town were certainly happy for the small mercy of avoiding another defeat. On just four minutes, Donnelly’s slip gifted possession to Michael Leary, 22 yards out, and with little more than a glance towards Nikki Bull he placed a low, deliberate shot past the static goalkeeper into the bottom corner.

Barnet had made a positive start but their lead came from nothing. It did, at least, spark an open game and Aldershot responded well but, a Scott Davies free-kick aside, they failed to sufficiently test Jake Cole.

Hudson twice stretched tantalisingly close to high balls into the box, and Robinson’s touch twice eluded him in promising positions, but Barnet’s confidence, solidity and superior commitment ensured they marginally held sway.

Soares replaced Straker – following a torrid 45 minutes against Albert Adomah – and Aldershot re-emerged a greatly fortified team. Donnelly hit the bar after Sandell’s initial shot was blocked, but just six minutes into the second half, another rebound, this time as Cole parried Davies’ drive, was placed into the far corner of the net by Lewis Chalmers.

Suddenly it was Barnet’s turn to look anxious and disjointed, but with a combination of stoic defending, wayward finishing and the constant threat of their own counter-attacking style, Aldershot couldn’t force home their advantage.

Furlong hit the bar with a close-range volley, as the flair of Yala Bolasie briefly took centre stage, and Bull had to tip Yakubu’s powerful header around the post, but all further endeavours failed to break the deadlock.

Perhaps of greater long-term concern were Gary Waddock’s post-match allusions to being “allowed to take the club forward”, but at least, with plans already well under way for next season, his current players rediscovered a modicum of pride and commitment.