Bees’ manager Martin Allen spoke to barnetfc.com this afternoon, ahead of his side’s derby clash with Stevenage.

Discussing Saturday’s match after training at The Hive, Martin said:

“Training has been good this week.

“It hasn’t been easy with the frozen pitches, but we’ve made use of the facilities at The Hive; using the gym, fitness suite and the astroturf.

“This morning we’ve been able to get out onto the grass and get the team prepared for tomorrow.

“It’s a local derby on Saturday with rivalry between the supporters.

“From what I’ve been told we’ve got a lot of supporters going to the game, and I think it’s about time we put on a decent performance for our travelling fans.

“I think they’ve been very patient.

“But as a Premier League manager said this week – the performance is nothing, it’s all about winning the game.

“We’re all well aware of the rivalry between the two clubs.

“We had such a fantastic away record last season, but for some reason it hasn’t happened this year.

“So we’ve got to look at all the different ways we can get something out of this match and put a much better performance on.

“We want to do our supporters proud and do ourselves proud.

“The supporters backing on Saturday is important – I think there’s a very good relationship between the players and the supporters.

“There’s a good vibe between everybody.

“But I’ve never been one to urge the fans to get behind the players.

“My job is to urge the players to put on a performance – one that’s going to get the supporters off their seats and get them singing.

“That’s the key to it – it’s the players’ responsibility and my responsibility to put in a performance that makes our supporters proud.”

Martin also provided an injury update for Bees fans, saying:

“We’ve got a few players missing for this game.

“John Akinde failed a fitness test this morning, Michael Gash isn’t fit, and Mat Stevens is ill so he isn’t available.

“Michael Nelson and Graham Stack are also still unavailable to play.

“We’ve got quite a few forwards missing – obviously with Aaron McLean and Kevin Lisbie leaving we’re a little bit short.

“But after this weekend we’ve got a break, so hopefully we’ll get the injured players back for the away game at Newport in a couple of weeks time.”