Martin Allen says Barnet must work together to cut out defensive errors and kick on up the EFL League Two table.

The Bees have lost just three of their first 11 fixtures this season and are only seven points shy of the play-off places with a game in hand.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit from second-bottom Exeter City (kick-off 3pm), Allen stressed his desire to push towards the top seven after a run of fixtures which has seen the Bees face a number of the division’s bigger names.

“We’ve played those teams and they might be bigger clubs with bigger fanbases, but I want to be in the play-offs, I want to challenge and I want to kick on,” Allen said.

“I don’t care where they are, how big they are or where they are in the league. I never have and I never will. 

“I’ve got total belief in our players and we’ve got to get up to the high standards we’ve set. The players do work hard and train hard. 

“They are very conscientious and caring and it is not as if they mess about and faff about and don’t care.

“They give everything every day in training and I am very proud of them. We’ve got to work out a way together to cut out these errors, kick on and get back up there right in amongst it.”

You can watch Martin Allen’s full pre-match interview, in which he provides an injury update ahead of the weekend, discusses visitors Exeter City and Kai McKenzie-Lyle’s unforgettable week, below: