A second-half turnaround from Notts County extended their unbeaten record to 23 games in the league with Jodi Jones proving to be an inspired substitution in the 4-1 victory.
The Magpies found themselves behind inside ten minutes when Aden Baldwin's lapse in concentration allowed Harry Smith the simple task of finishing beyond Sam Slocombe who had strayed from in between his posts.
But goals from Cedwyn Scott, Adam Chicksen, Macaulay Langstaff, and Jones in the second half saw Luke Williams' side edge closer to the National League title, moving five points clear at the top following Wrexham's 2-2 draw with Woking.
READ MORE: Notts County team news vs Barnet as defender returns amid three changes
Ahead of kick-off Williams made three changes to the side that beat Chesterfield, with Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, John Bostock, and Ruben Rodrigues recalled for Aaron Nemane, Jim O'Brien, and Jones.
The Magpies started brightly in the opening exchanges with Adebayo-Rowling and Rodrigues combining nicely early on, but a lapse in concentration at the back gave the visitors the lead with Baldwin's miscontrol from Matty Palmer's pass allowing Smith the simple task of putting the ball in the net to immediately put the pressure on.
And that mistake seemed to provide some anxiety amongst the Notts players, with Barnet's high press coupled with more defensive mishaps from the hosts almost seeing Dean Brennan's side double their advantage, with Nicke Kabamba spurning the best of those opportunities inside the area.
Despite the unforced errors continuing to be present in their performance, Williams' side looked to create with Rodrigues fashioning two efforts in quick succession with no luck, while Scott forced Laurie Walker into making a smart save at his near post after neat play between Chicksen and Kyle Cameron on the edge of the area.
Williams was forced to make a change at the interval with Adebayo-Rowling forced off following an earlier change, with the Magpies chief forced to deploy Jones at right-wing back with Nemane not named in the matchday squad.
And the introduction of the Oxford United loanee breathed new life into Notts, with the hosts level shortly after his introduction, albeit with some controversy in the lead up to the attack.
With Ryan De Havilland going down with Notts in possession, Williams' side continued to carry on with the game despite the protests of the Barnet players and bench - with Bostock's initial strike falling kindly to the head of Rawlinson who in turn nodded the ball onto Scott to finish from close range.
But with Dale Gorman's curling free-kick providing a scare for those inside Meadow Lane, the hosts completed the turnaround thanks to another goal from their free-scoring wing-back, with Baldwin's header from Jones' cross finding the Zimbabwean on the line to put himself into double figures for the campaign.
After being kept quiet for the majority of the evening, there was no denying the National League's top scorer his customary goal, with substitute Sam Austin laying the ball off for the Notts number nine to smash beyond the grasp of Walker to all but secure the three points.
Jones' inspired substitute appearance was rewarded three minutes from time, picking up space on the right-hand side before curling a left-footed effort into the bottom corner, with Langstaff claiming a touch on the way through.
Following full time, here is how we rated the Magpies players.
Sam Slocombe - 7
Unlucky with Smith's opener as he was anticipating Baldwin's touch to be a good one, therefore positioned away from his goal. Produced some important interceptions late on.
Kyle Cameron - 6
Looked to create with his forward runs and drives into space - much improved second half performance from the Notts skipper.
Aden Baldwin - 5
A bad day at the office for the central defender, producing several misplaced passes out from defence and being at fault for Barnet's opener with a lapse in concentration.
Connell Rawlinson - 6
Struggled against the pace of Idris Kanu down the Barnet left but put on a spirited display and continued to not shy away from the challenges.
Adam Chicksen - 7
In the right place at the right time to notch double figures for the campaign. Disappointed with his deliveries from wide positions but produced a telling contribution.
Tobi Adebayo-Rowling - 6
Continually looked to drive forward every time he was in possession, creating several opportunities with his build-up play with Rodrigues. Hopefully his injury is nothing too serious.
Matty Palmer - 6
Looked better as the game progressed, keeping the game ticking nicely and providing some incisive passes into attacking areas.
John Bostock - 6.5
Looked laboured in possession, slowing down potential attacks on a couple of occasions and guilty of gifting Barnet possession in dangerous areas but improved in the second half with involvements in three of the goals.
Ruben Rodrigues - 6.5
Looked to create with his forward passing and his influence on the contest grew as the game went on.
Cedwyn Scott - 7
Looked to drop deep and receive the ball to create but was then out of position when Notts broke forward in the first half but added to his tally at an important time in the contest
Macaulay Langstaff - 7
Fed off scraps for the majority but when the opportunity arose he gobbled up the opportunity to notch his 26th goal of the campaign.
SUBS:
Jodi Jones - 8
Another bright display from the Oxford loanee in an unnatural position, continually looking to drive at his immediate opponent and create for those around him.
Sam Austin - 6
Provided that needed energy for the final 20 minutes.
Frank Vincent - 6
Great to see him back in a Notts shirt, and he looked lively in his substitute appearance.
READ NEXT:
- Luke Williams praises Notts County duo as unusual aspect of Barnet fixture explained
- Notts County boss pinpoints Chesterfield interaction as key in Barnet preparations
- Aaron Nemane highlights Tobi Adebayo-Rowling influence on recent Notts County form
- Luke Williams sends Joel Taylor message following Notts County return
