Barnet manager Martin Allen was impressed by his side’s performance, following this afternoon’s 3-3 draw with Oxford United at The Hive. 

Speaking after the game, Martin said:

“I thought it was a very good and entertaining match, for both sets of supporters and both sets of players. 

“I’m sure that Michael Appleton would say that his team have had a hard and difficult game coming here to Barnet. 

“I thought that we deserved to win the game and that we had some good chances – especially in the first half – to be further ahead. 

“But I’m delighted with our players.”

Barnet have remained unbeaten at home in three matches against higher division clubs. But Martin feels that the Bees can be as big as any of our pre-season opponents:

“I don’t think they’re bigger than Barnet,” he said.

“No one is bigger than Barnet as far as I’m concerned.

“With the players that we’ve got here now, the backing and the stadium starting to take shape – in my mind there is no one bigger than us.

“I’m disappointed that we didn’t beat Oxford after being ahead.

“But we fought back well when it went to 2-2, showing good enthusiasm and mental strength.

“I think we looked extremely fit, right through until the end of the match. 

“Going into the last ten minutes there was only one team looking to go forward and win the game – that was us.” 

Reflecting on the Bees’ pre-season preparations, Martin said:

“We’ve got some good players and staff in. 

“We’re moving in the right direction – the job is to keep improving year in, year out.  

“It’s not instant – it just doesn’t work like that – but we’re making progress and getting better.

“We also haven’t picked up any injuries today, which is a good sign. 

“Now we’ll get all the players back in on Tuesday and get ready for the ten month competition ahead. 

“That’s what it’s all about.”