THE elements were the ultimate winners at Underhill on Saturday, as the match of the day in the Nationwide Conference between fifth-placed Barnet and table-toppers Chester City ended all square.

The combination of a swirling wind, greasy sloping pitch, and an officious referee ensured the game rarely rose above the ordinary.

Expansive and creative football was a near impossibility in the conditions, but the players weren't helped by match official Mr Singh, who annoyingly saw fit to halt proceedings with monotonous regularity every time there was a hint of bodily contact.

Amazingly, the one dangerous moment that did occur in an otherwise disciplined display by both sides was missed.

Midway through the first half, Barnet midfield player Yakabu launched himself at City's Jamie Heard, the brutal tackle forcing him off with a nasty thigh gash that needed medical attention.

Heard's misfortune meant that ex Southport defender Chris Lane came on to make his debut, and the 24-year-old Scouser did extremely well.

After 42 minutes, good work between Lane and Stamp saw the ball end up in the Barnet net. However, for the third time in two matches, Chester's joy was made short-lived by a linesman flagging, presumably this time for offside.

In injury time, Stamp had a golden opportunity to open City's account. McIntyre crossed the ball to the impressive Lane who in turn found the tall striker, but unfortunately he managed to knock it wide from only four yards out.

In the second half, City again had the better chances and in the rare sorties by the home side, man of the match, maturing Danny Collins, and Lane were always on hand to mop up the danger, with Collins in majestic form.

At the Barnet end, Clare and substitute Michael Twiss fired wide, and Barnet keeper Bankole did well to block an effort from Twiss.

City boss Mark Wright said: "It was a scrappy game, in these conditions. I suppose you don't expect anything else, but we had chances to win it and we also had a perfectly good goal disallowed.

"I don't know how the referee missed the tackle on Jamie Heard, it was nothing short of assault in my opinion."

BARNET: Bankole, Hendon, Maddix, Redmile, King, Strevens, Clist, Gamble, Yakabu (M Williams, 82), Grazioli, Hatch. Subs: Gore, Taggart, Plummer, Pearson.

CHESTER CITY: Turner, Collins, Guyett, Bolland, Heard (Lane, 24), D Williams, Carden, Smith (Twiss, 61), McIntyre, Clare (Rapley, 89), Stamp. Subs: Woods, Davies.

REFEREE: Mr J Singh (London).

ATTENDANCE: 2,455.