Martin Allen claims he is so excited about the new season he cannot sleep, but has stressed the importance of not being judgemental about Barnet’s pre-season displays.

The Bees came from behind the pick up a 3-2 win at National League South side St Albans City this evening with goals from Michael Gash, Shaun Batt and Jack Taylor sealing the win at a damp Clarence Park.

Gash headed the Bees into a tenth-minute lead before Saints strikers Simon Thomas and Michael Malcolm gave the hosts a 2-1 advantage at half time. Debutant Batt and youngster Taylor then turned the game on its head with two goals in three minutes after the break.

Asked if he thought his side were on track in their preparations for the season – which begins on August 8 – Allen replied: “The important thing is, because of all the training and work they are doing, not to be judgemental on the players at the moment. That is the key to this time of year.

“When people ask: ‘How do you think you have done?’ you can’t judge them at the moment because the work they do on the training pitch is so hard. If you expect them to come out [and be at full tilt, you will be disappointed]. I rested them on the Friday before Saturday’s game because I knew it would be such a hard game.”

He continued: “This group tonight worked hard yesterday, so you can’t judge them. It is about getting fitter, getting match sharpness and not getting any injuries. And that, at the moment, is the result and it is crucial not to be judgemental.

“Be judgemental a month into the season. I have promised them they will all play in the first team if they do well in pre-season. I will rotate it and move it around.”

And despite pre-season being just three games old, Allen is already licking his lips at the prospect of tussles with Leyton Orient and Wycombe Wanders in the Bees’ opening fixtures of the League Two campaign, not to mention a trip to Millwall in the League Cup.

He enthused: “We have got three great games in that first week to play; what a fantastic time to look forward to seeing these players going up against those teams, all derbies.

“And all those players are going to play. I have got full confidence and at the moment I am absolutely loving it. I can’t sleep I am so excited.

"I have got such a good group of players together. They have trained so hard. I am telling you now, they are so fit it is unbelievable. Strong runners, power, mentally they are fit and they are ready to go.”

You can read the match report from victory at St Albans by clicking here.