Barnet manager Martin Allen was pleased with his side’s tenacity and commitment, in the 4-2 win over Crawley Town.

Speaking after the match, Martin said:

“I thought the team played really well – it was very similar to the performance last week at Yeovil.

“Of course when Crawley got back to 2-2 there was a nervous energy around the club – the players, the supporters, everyone was the same.

“But all credit to the players, they kept going right to the end, kept their self belief, and they got their reward.

“I thought it was a deserved victory.

“I thought their first goal was a lucky goal – it was just a cross that drifted in with the wind.

“They’d had one header in the first half and apart from that no shots.

“Then that cross went in off the post, and their player hit a volley from 25 yards into the top corner – that was totally out of the top drawer. 

“When it went to 2-2 it was a bit of a shock!

“But the team kept going and I thought we played some good football today. 

“We tried to move the ball about the pitch and keep it on the grass.

“The players have worked extremely hard over the past two weeks and have been rewarded for their efforts.

“We’ve been much better in possession, and I thought we were tenacious out of possession. 

“I think it was better for our supporters to watch.

“There’s been a lot of work on the training pitch in the last few weeks, and the players have responded really well.

“I hope that we’ve given our supporters a more positive outlook, and something to be proud of as a Barnet supporter today.

“After the Newport game I wasn’t happy, they weren’t happy, none of us were happy!

“But thankfully we’ve put two decent performances together.

“The only important thing for me isn’t my Christmas presents – it’s to keep my team happy and put decent performances on for the paying public, so that they can come and watch a Barnet team to be proud of.

“We’ve done well again today.

“I still believe that there is a Santa, but the only present that I want is three points!

“That’s what gives me a buzz and makes me enjoy my life – to see the team play as well as they did today.

“They played with courage, commitment and good quality.”

Looking ahead to the festive fixtures, Martin said:

“I love the games over Christmas.

“All the people who say that we should have a Christmas break can forget it! 

“I love them coming thick and fast, and I love the excitement of getting out of the house on Boxing Day and seeing your team play.

“It’s a great feeling after having a day on the sofa watching Elf and eating Christmas food!

“To come and watch your team play, and put on a good performance…. there’s nothing better!”