Gary Waddock could not speak highly enough of the Barnet squad following their 2-1 win over Torquay United at Plainmoor that sent them nine points clear at the top of the Vanarama Conference.

Speaking after the game, the Bees’ coach was full of praise for both players and supporters after a hard-earned win against a side that were playing in League Two last season:

“Firstly, I think all of us would like to thank the fans for the support that we got today. It is a long way down here and for all of the supporters it will be a very nice journey home.

“You could go through the whole squad; there are a number of players that we could highlight. We could be here all night talking about the qualities of the players and what they are prepared to do for the squad.

“That doesn’t even include the lads that don’t come on but are shouting and encouraging from the sidelines. We have to single out every single member of this squad for what they have done today. They work each other very hard during the week and rightly so they are getting their rewards.”

Waddock, who joined the coaching staff on a full-time basis at the start of November having worked with the Bees since the summer, finished by admitting that he had been mightily impressed with the application of the players both on and off the pitch as they look to carry their excellent form into Christmas:

“We have had a very good week following last Saturday’s game. In training the players have been first-class with their attitude and they have taken it into today’s game.

“They have shown every aspect of the qualities that you are looking for – from work rate and commitment to the quality of the goals that we scored.

“Torquay did very well a few weeks ago at our place and they have been on a good run as well. We know how difficult it is to come down here and to get a result.

“To go away from home and pick up three points as many times as we have done already this season is a testament to the strength of character of the players, the staff, the manager and I have to say everybody associated with the club.”