Barnes stayed top with a 4-4 draw away against Ashford but as second-place Gore Court lost and the next four teams all won, the race for promotion got even tighter.
Barnes went a goal down within 30 seconds after Mark Hoskin was caught in possession from the push-back.
Danny Holmes levelled with a cool finish from close range before Ashford went into half time ahead after a fine reverse stick strike.
Barnes started the second period the stronger with Jonny Perkins slotting home before Ashford lost their goalkeeper to a yellow card.
Barnes made the most of the advantage scoring through Arran Abbott and Liam Rothwell, but then 10 minutes of madness gifted the Kent side two goals to level the scores.
Elsewhere Barnes’ next opponents Wycombe were leapfrogging into second, making for another crucial encounter this weekend.
Standings: 1:Barnes 29(16), 2:Wycombe 26(14), 3:Wayfarers 26(16), 4:Gore Court 25(15), 5:Eastbourne 25(14), 6:Milton Keynes 22(14)
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