Ryan Watson called on Barnet to react to the disappointment of Saturday’s last-gasp 3-2 defeat at Doncaster Rovers when the Bees host Exeter City at The Hive this weekend.
James Coppinger and Matty Blair put Doncaster 2-0 up at the break without the hosts putting Martin Allen’s men under a sustained period of pressure.
The Bees rallied in the second half and, aided by the weapon of Sam Muggleton’s long throw, reduced the arrears when Bira Dembele headed home. Six minutes from time Luke Gambin equalised for Barnet.
However, two minutes into stoppage time disaster struck. Blair crossed from the right and Andy Williams reacted quickest, prodding home at the near post to win it for Doncaster.
Speaking afterwards, Watson said: “We showed heaps of character to get back into the game. We easily had enough chances to take a point so we are all disappointed.
“We have got to react now and put it right next week.”
He continued: “The result does not tell the story of what happened. We had quite a few chances in the second half, hit the bar and their keeper made a few good saves.
“We were really pushing to get the equaliser. We got it and then it was unfortunate to lose. All the lads are gutted.”
Watson acknowledged the first half had been disappointing from a Barnet perspective but praised his teammates for a vastly-improved second-half showing in which they had Rovers on the back foot.
“The first half were slow and we could have started better,” the former Leicester City midfielder said.
“To be honest, I don’t know what the reason for that was but we have to make sure we improve and don’t do that too often.
“In the second half there was a lot of positive play from us and the least we deserved was a draw. We have just got to bounce back now.”
You can read Martin Allen’s thoughts on defeat at the Keepmoat Stadium by clicking here.
Tickets for Saturday’s game against Exeter City are part of our fantastic Three for £3/Three for £30 offer where supporters buying in advance on the South Terrace can see Barnet’s next three home games for just £1/£10 per game. For more information click the image below:
