The visitors took a surprise lead inside two minutes when Josh Gordon fired an ambitious effort from the edge of the box that beat Barnet goalkeeper Cieran Slicker at the near post.

The Bees went close to levelling as Nnamdi Ofoborh dragged his shot wide and Ryan Glover failed to hit the target under pressure.

Barnet equalised on the stroke of half-time when Mark Shelton met Idris Kanu’s cross, with Kabongo Tshimanga getting the final touch after a deflection.

Dean Brennan’s side took the lead seven minutes into the second half when Stead threaded a sublime pass through to Shelton, who slotted home.

The Bluebirds levelled with 17 minutes remaining when Rekeem Harper went on a strong run before firing across goal.

However, Barnet regained the lead when substitute Diallang Jaiyesimi delivered a dangerous cross, with Stead nodding his header past Wyll Stanway to seal victory.