It may still be relatively early in the season but Barnet fans will not want to look at the League Two table after the Bees fell to a 3-0 defeat at home to Southend United.

Izale McLeod missed a penalty in the opening two minutes and the Bees were made to pay for his error as goals from Ryan Hall and a debateable strike from Bilel Moshni put the visitors ahead at the break.

Barnet’s performance improved in the second period but Darren Dennehy was dismissed for a second yellow card before Neil Harris rounded off the win five minutes from time.

Lawrie Sanchez brought Steve Kabba back into the starting line-up after the striker missed the weekend defeat with a swollen knee but Jordan Parkes was not included in the squad.

The Bees were given an opportunity to opening the scoring inside the opening two minutes when Dennehy was tripped in the box.

Referee Andy Woolmer did not hesitate and pointed to the spot but McLeod blazed his penalty well over the bar.

Southend settled into the game and came close to scoring when Hall diverted a cross towards goal but it was a comfortable stop for Liam O’Brien.

However the Shrimpers weren’t to be denied and they took the lead through Hall.

The striker found space in the Bees area and had just enough time to get a shot away. O’Brien managed to get a hand on the strike but it was too powerful to keep out and the visitors went ahead.

Southend continued to look dangerous and nearly added a second when Anthony Grant sprinted 40-yards with the ball and slipped a pass to Ryan Leonard.

Fortunately for the Bees’ fans it was a strike that was easy for O’Brien to deal with.

The visitors were controlling the game and after missing several half chances extended their lead in controversial fashion.

A cross into the box and not dealt with by the Bees’ defence and Moshni sneaked in at the back post to tap home.

But the linesman had raised his flag and the goal was ruled out. Or so it appeared.

Moshni was irate with the decision and went straight over to the linesman to complain.

Referee Woolmer came over to consult his assistant and after several heated discussion with Barnet players decided to award the goal and hand the Shrimpers a two goal lead at the break.

It was a slow start to the second half from both sides. Ricky Holmes came closest with a 25-yard drive which was easily dealt with by Daniels.

Holmes was becoming much more influential as the half went on and he thought he has set-up McLeod for a Bees goal. For the second time in the constant the goal was ruled out for offside but unlike the Shrimpers second the decision was not overturned.

Just like in the last home game against Aldershot it was an impressive second half performance from the Bees.

Daniel Leach next testing Daniels with a header which had to be dealt with by the on loan keeper.

Southend threatened mostly on the break in the second period but did come close to adding to their lead with a header from Mark Phillips.

Things went from bad to worse for the Bees when Darren Dennehy was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Hall.

Barnet struggled to create chances after going down to nine men and any hope they had of getting something from the game ended on 85 minutes when substitute Harris tapped home a cross.

The result leaves the Bees in 23rd place and Lawrie Sanchez will hope for a much improved performance on Saturday as Barnet entertain Burton Albion.

Barnet line-up: O'Brien, Kamdjo, Leach, Dennehy, Borrowdale, Deering, Hughes, Holmes, Marshall, Kabba, McLeod.

Barnet substitutes: Brill, Byrne, Owusu, Uddin, Vilhete.

Southend United: Daniels, Clohessy, Gilbert, Hall, Moshni, Grant, Timlin, Phillips, Leonard, Dickinson, Barker.

Southend United Substitutes: Harris, Ferdinand, Johnson, Bentley, Kalala.

Attendance: 2744 (1216).