Paul Fairclough had the Barnet players in for Sunday training for the first time this season after the 4-0 home defeat by Notts County.

"It was not a punishment", said the manager, "it was a start of putting that defeat behind us and moving the club forward. It will happen again if need be".

Following "Fairclough out" cries at the end of Saturday's game and criticism of the team performance, particularly the defence, the assistant manager Ian Hendon and skipper Ismail Yakubu talked to the players about a run of only three wins in 19 games this season.

With Arsenal youngster Abu Ogogo ineligible for Rochdale and Joe Devera sidelined for another month, Max Porter is the likely deputy against Rochdale in Tuesday's 1st Round FA Cup replay.

Will Paul Fairclough revert to a 4-5-1 formation for the long trip North? "Wait and see", he says. "There is no doubt though that playing that way poses the opposition problems".

Striker Cliff Akurang may miss the trip as he is due to receive an injection following scans on a foot.

The last three away games have seen the Bees win at Rotherham United and gain creditable draws against top clubs Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City.

In that run they have scored nine goals ... compared to six in eight home games.

NOTE: Kieron St Aimie is returning to Wrexham for further talks this week about joining the Welsh Blue Square Premier League side.

Dennis Signy