Barnet manager Martin Allen was pleased with his side’s performance against Newport County, as the Bees recorded a 2-0 victory at The Hive.

Speaking after the win against the Exiles, Martin said:

“I thought it was a good result – it was nice for the supporters to see us play so well again.

“Newport County have been on a fantastic run of form, and are a very difficult to team to beat.

“They’ve got some good players and they play really well.

“After they beat us quite comfortably a few weeks ago there has been a significant improvement in our play. 

“I was delighted for the players and really pleased for the supporters – it’s always nice to win on Boxing Day. 

“It was a good effort all round.

“When we played Newport in the FA Cup it was such a disappointing day.

“We were poor left, right and centre; in possession and out of possession. 

“But since that day we’ve changed quite significantly and the players have looked much more comfortable and confident. 

“I think and I hope that today was better for our supporters.“

Discussing the youngsters that the Bees’ had on the bench today, Martin said:

“I thought that I’d bring in one of our young players who had done so well out on loan.

Harry Taylor came in and did very well, so I was pleased with that. 

“We haven’t got anyone else – the squad is now fully trimmed.

“With Michael Nelson out for a while, we might have to ask the Chairman if we can get a loan player in, early in January.

“But for the moment we have to work with the players that we’ve got.

“It’s been refreshing – Charlie Kennedy has been with us, Mat Stevens was close to being in there.

“Justin Nwogu is right in amongst it as well now; he’s been training and playing well.

“Hakeem Odoffin is only 17, Sam Muggleton is only 19, so we’ve got a big group of young players who are integrating really well with the senior squad, and we are definitely seeing a difference.”

Martin also looked ahead to the Cambridge United match in two days time, saying:

“We said it last year – it’s vitally important not to get carried away with ourselves. 

“I don’t think we’ve played that well away from home to be honest, apart from in a couple of matches.

“We haven’t played with the confidence and self belief that I’d like.

“We’ve got to try and improve that now.

“It’s one step at a time, as we add points to our total.

“Our first goal is to make sure that we stay in this league, and make sure that we don’t have that last day nail biting end to the season that happens a lot at Barnet.

“We’ve got to try and make something exciting for the players and the supporters.

“I’m happy with the group that we’ve got at the moment.

“So let’s be happy with this Boxing Day – we’ve got three points in the bag, in our Christmas stocking!

“Now we’ll all be in tomorrow for a warm-down session, and then we’ll get ready for the next game.”