Martin Allen: “In the second half we played really well”

Martin Allen praised Barnet’s second-half performance as the Bees came from behind to draw 1-1 with Colchester United in EFL League Two on Saturday.

The U’s took a sixth-minute lead at The Hive when Tarique Fosu-Henry drilled low beyond Josh Vickers in the Barnet goal.

However, Allen’s side made sure of a point with eight minutes remaining when Curtis Weston stabbed home his second of the season.

"In the first half we were very average and in the second half we played really well," Allen said.

"Having said that, even though we didn’t play very well in the first half we still had four or five very good opportunities where we could have taken the lead.

"Colchester played well in the first half and probably deserved to be 1-0 up.

"It was much more like it in the second half. We were much more positive, played higher up the pitch, got closer to them and stopped them playing.

"The changes we made made a big difference. When you don’t play well and get a point it’s a good point."

He added:  “We had chances to win the game in the end. We had plenty of chances and there were counter-attacks where we got clear and the final pass wasn’t good enough.

“We had numerous set plays which were rubbish. We could have kept kicking those corners until the cows came home and not scored.

“It’s something we’ve worked on and worked on and worked on. Now we will have to work even more.”

Central to Barnet’s improvement was the introduction of winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce who replaced fellow wideman Alex Nicholls in the 31st minute.

The switch paid off handsomely with the former Sheffield United and Bristol City man a constant thorn in Colchester’s side.

"It was a tactical switch," confirmed Allen. "It wasn’t happening and we don’t play like that.

"This is a great place to play football because we’ve got a brilliant pitch and a very loyal fan following on the far side who make a lot of noise. They didn’t get what they pay for. That’s my responsibility.

"In two home games we haven’t played that well. Yet in two away games – at MK Dons and Mansfield Town – we’ve been superb as a team.

"I’ll have to have a look at that. The track record in the two years I’ve been here has been outstanding."

Allen continued: "The chairman has pushed the boat out to get Jamal. I only put the names to the chairman and he’s said OK on it and got the deal done.

"We’ve got a good squad of players here at Barnet. It’s been a big blow to lose Michael Gash and James Pearson in the first two weeks of the season.

"But the players who have come in for those two have done really well."