Edgar Davids admits Barnet’s 1-0 defeat against Cheltenham Town was hard to take but believes the Bees first half display can provide “inspiration for the future”.

Barnet performed well, especially in the first half, against the Robins and had the chance to go ahead in the second half after Jake Hyde’s header struck an arm and the referee awarded a penalty.

Mark Byrne stepped up but his spot kick was saved and soon after Jeff Goulding scored for Cheltenham to secure victory.

Reflecting on the match, joint Barnet head coach Davids said: “It is very hard to take but we have to take it on the chin and try to play better next time.

“But on the other hand, we’ve played against a top side and we could match them, especially in the first half.

“In the second half we let it slide a bit and they showed they are a good side.”

He continued: “You also have to look at your mistakes and we really have to work on that because it is getting a bit annoying.

“But we could match them up in the first half so that gives us inspiration for the future.”