Following Barnet's appearance in the 1972 FA Trophy in 1972, there were hopes that the Bees would go one better and win the tournament. However, during the next few seasons, Barnet fared poorly in the competition. In 1972-73 they were drawn away at Nuneaton Borough and drew 0-0. They then drew 2-2 in the replayed game at Underhill, Colin Powell and Dickie Plume scoring for the Bees and the match went to a 2nd replay at Banbury where Barnet were hammered 5-0.
The following season, 1973-74, Barnet went out in the 1st round again, this time away at Hastings United who won 1-0. The following season they went out again at the first attempt, this time at home to Isthmian League club, Hitchin Town who won 1-0. In 1975-76, Barnet were held 2-2 by Harwich & Parkstone at home in the 3rd Qualifying Round with goals from Billy Meadows and Williams. Barnet then lost the replay 5-0 to a side who were in the Isthmian League, 2nd division.
In 1976-77, Barnet had to start in the 1st Qualifying round as there FA Trophy record had been so poor since the Wembley final of 1972. They were drawn away at Hampton and won 5-2 with goals from Dennis Brown (2), John Fairbrother and Williams (2). In the 2nd Qualifying Round, Barnet travelled to Leytonstone and won 4-2 with goals from Ray Aggio, Dennis Brown, John Fairbrother and Tucker. In the 3rd Qualifying Round, Barnet met Wealdstone at home and drew 1-1, Williams scoring for Barnet. In the replay at Wealdstone, Barnet won 3-1 with two goals from John Fairbrother and one from Dennis Brown. In the 1st Round proper, Barnet went down 1-0 at home to Wycombe.
In 1977-78, Barnet were again made to start in the 1st Qualifying Round but this time they lost 4-2 at home to Isthmian League, Carshalton Athletic. Jimmy Greaves and Derek Brown scored for Barnet.
The following season, Barnet drew 1-1 away at Wembley, who were in the Isthmian League Division 1, in the 1st Qualifying Round, George Cleary scoring for Barnet, but in the replay at Underhill they lost 3-2 despite goals from Cleary and Jimmy Greaves. At the end of that season, Barnet were elected to the newly formed Alliance Premier League.