Martin Allen said the Lincoln City fans who invaded the pitch during Barnet’s 3-3 draw with the Imps should be banned and believed the incident helped the Bees snatch a late equaliser.

The hosts led 3-2 in the dying moments when a group of Lincoln fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate a goal which was subsequently disallowed for offside.

It caused a five minute delay and Allen took his player to the changing room. When play resumed eight minutes were added.

With two remaining, Jake Hyde struck for Barnet to secure a draw and a share of the points for the Bees.

“I thought the Lincoln City supporters, from the moment we arrived to the end of the game, were absolutely awesome,” Allen said after the match.

“Let’s be honest, it was only a few fans that spoilt it. The majority of the Lincoln supporters were excellent.

“I stand by my decision to take the players off the pitch because their safety, first and foremost, is paramount.

“I want them to win but their safety is the most important thing. At the time there were not enough stewards.

“Our right back is over there and our right winger is on the touchline. I wouldn’t have played in that, no chance.”

He continued: “Those fans spoilt it for Lincoln City. Credit to our lads to keep on going and we had half a dozen chances to get the equaliser beforehand.

“But the whole tempo and the atmosphere in the stadium changed. The break helped us, it didn’t help them.

“I think those supporters should be banned, it’s only a few but it was enough to put a dark finish on the end of the game.”

Ahmed Abdulla had converted an early penalty to put the Bees ahead but their lead was short-lived and Nat Brown equalised from a corner.

The match was level at the break but the Imps went in front less than a minute after the restart. Kris Bright headed home and the hosts added a third through Ben Tomlinson.

Barnet pulled a goal back via Iffy Allen. The young winger fired past Nick Townsend after good work from Luke Gambin.

Hyde went on to grab the late equaliser which meant Barnet ended the Skrill Premier season in eighth place.

Allen chose to field an inexperienced starting XI but felt his young side produced an outstanding display.

He said: “I thought we were fantastic today. We played great football, some individual performances were top draw and it was an excellent performance.

“At half-time we decided to go for it and try to win. We kept three up front all the time and didn’t bring those players back.

“There’s no way to deserved to be 3-1 down.

"Those lads behind the scenes have earned the right to play. They’ve been patient and I can’t ask them to train every day and never play.

“They did well at Nuneaton, where we won 1-0, and today I thought they were even better. The first half display was as good as you can see.”