Ian Hendon, who doesn't like the opposition to know his team plans, was happy to oblige today with some advance news for the League 2 game against Darlington on Saturday ... "We will be welcoming back Mark Hughes", he said.

The industrious 26-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder missed the 2-0 defeat through a one-match suspension after collecting five yellow cards and, with both right backs, Joe Devera and Ryan O'Neill, on the injured list, Hendon had to change the shape of the side.

He brought in Joe Tabiri and Nicky Deverdics in midfield and planned a 4-3-3 formation with wingers Yannick Bolasie and Albert Jarrett supporting lone striker Paul Furlong.

Although the Bees were on top for long spells - they finished the game playing with three at the back as they sought a goal - the lack of a cutting edge was a main reason for a third successive away defeat.

Hendon put his hands up. "If it didn't work it's down to me".

Devera, who has a hamstring injury, and O'Neill, back strain, should be back in training later this week and the message from the manager in training today was:

"We've got to bounce back and get in the frame as soon as possible with the form we showed in defeating Dagenham and Redbridge and Grimsby Town".

The Bees are unbeaten in six League 2 games at Underhill this season - plus a 2-0 JPT defeat of a strong League 1 Millwall - and face three matches out of four at home in the coming month.

And, of course, Hughsie is back.

Dennis Signy