Martin Allen admitted that it was a big disappointment to concede late on against Alfreton on Saturday, although the manager was adamant that the players would not have any problem bouncing back for the remainder of the run-in.

Barnet led against the Reds thanks to Curtis Weston’s first-half goal but were forced to settle for a draw after conceding a penalty in the final minute of stoppage time, yet speaking after the game Martin did not necessarily view the point as a bad one:

“It is another point to our total. We are bitterly disappointed as I don’t think they had a shot or an effort at our goal in the second half. At 1-0 we were very comfortable, but to lose out from a last-minute penalty off of a long throw – of course that is disappointing.

“I would say that all of our players have given everything that they have got. It wasn’t to be today, but it is another point towards our total away from home on the road. Five games to go and we pack our bags now, get back to London and get ready for our next home game.”

Martin was particularly frustrated by how well Barnet had controlled the game having taken the lead, but acknowledged that without a second goal they were always in danger of being punished:

“Against the wind and on that slope it is very difficult to play in that. Was it a penalty? I don’t know.

“The long throws and free-kicks were always going to be a danger but up until that point we had defended them fantastically well. But in the second half we played very well and should have won comfortably

“We were seeing the game out very well – keeping possession and Gashy came on and did very well and slowed the game down for us. We had all of the momentum; we had control of the game by passing the ball and moving the ball.

“It was always going to be a very difficult game. They are fighting for their lives and with the record that they have got only conceding one goal in six games – but in the second half we have had the chances to win the game comfortably.

“We had a couple of chances up that top end but as we always know you are always under pressure when you are winning 1-0. On set play – as we all know – can change the day.”

However, Martin finished by backing his players to recover from the setback as they look to maintain their position at the top with just five games left to go:

“They don’t need lifting. When we win we do not celebrate and when we draw there is no sadness – disappointment, but only disappointment.

“We are taking one point back to London, it could have been three, but with five games to go we move on.”