Martin Allen was happy to round off a productive week with another three points on Saturday, as Barnet returned to the top of the Vanarama Conference table with a resounding 5-0 win over Welling United at The Hive.
However, Martin was not getting carried away with the result, suggesting that his team could have done even better:
“I thought that we played quite well, I did not think we played great. We took the chances when they came our way and as with any win, it is still three points on the board – but you only get three points whether you win 1-0 or 5-0.
“It was a good effort on our players’ part and I am really pleased with them.
“We could have scored more goals and passed the ball better. But I am OCD and right from day one in pre-season I have demanded more and better from each individual in training, in the gym and the way that they conduct themselves.
“We are always looking for more and to get better and I told them today I was very proud of them and pleased with them and told them all today that they have played well.”
Mauro Vilhete opened up the scoring with a tremendous solo effort during the first half, and having brought the winger back into the side during the last week the manager admitted that he was delighted with his recent performances:
“Mauro has played in those two away games – both tough games – and has done extremely well. I thought that it was the right thing to do to play him again – he has earned his place and he scored a fantastic goal.
“He has done superb. Going into those two away games we had a lot of resilience and we really needed everybody to go up another level, not just attacking wise but defensively and to do a job within the structure of the team.
“Mauro has been a significant part in keeping clean sheets and not getting beaten, which obviously at any football team is your priority.”
The result also saw the Bees register their first clean sheet in eight games, something which Martin admitted was important to the players as they rounded off an excellent week that has seen them regain their position at the top of the league:
“The clean sheet is particularly pleasing for all of the players because they all have to defend and work hard when we don’t have the ball.
“The last two away games were always going to be a testing time because it was a big week with Eastleigh and Halifax away and this game here.
“Three games in a week, a lot of travelling and a pitch that was hard to play on Tuesday night. Thankfully we have got a very resilient squad and a determined and focused group.”
With just six games left to go this season Martin ended by insisting that he is still refusing to pay any attention to Barnet’s title rivals, and is instead focusing fully on his own group of players as Barnet look to continue their recent return to form:
“I’m lucky enough that I have got the experience now to just focus on our players. I don’t read the newspapers, I don’t go on forums, I don’t pay any attention to anything. All I do is go home to do my garden, walk my dog and train my players.
“To get seven points over the three games is good and now we have to go again, recharge our batteries and get ourselves ready for the game next week away to Alfreton.”
