Robson praises Lowe (From Times Series)

Barnet boss Mark Robson hailed Jamal Lowe's performance against Southend despite him missing a chance late-on

12:32pm Monday 8th October 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Bees boss Mark Robson was full of praise for Jamal Lowe despite the striker missing a golden opportunity to score a late winner as Barnet drew 2-2 with Southend.

Goals from Ricky Holmes and Jake Hyde had put the Bees two up but Barnet let their lead slip.

And in the 92nd minute, when Southend had committed men forward, Barnet broke through Jon Nurse on the right who crossed early into the box for Lowe, but despite being unmarked the youngster scuffed his shot wide from just a few yards out.

The goal would almost certainly have sealed Barnet's first win of the season but Robson refused to criticise and heaped praise on his young striker.

He said: "It was a tremendous chance late in the game for young Jamal but I thought he was excellent today, I thought he was outstanding.

"He really led the line well with Jake Hyde and I really feel for him because he's a young lad who's just starting out and he's beating himself up over that chance.

"But I said to him look, your overall performance was first class so don’t worry about it, let's move on to the next game you'll get more opportunities and you'll score more goals than you'll miss, I'm certain of that.

"The ball’s come in - I think it took an awkward bounce and maybe on another day he takes touch and composes himself but he's a great player and he had a great game today."

Lowe was handed a first-team spot to try and and rectify Barnet's struggling attack, which has scored just seven goals in 11 games.

And despite the miss, Robson believes Lowe took his opportunity.

The Bees boss said: "Jamal got a chance to play today and I thought he took it really well - he worked hard in behind their defence with lots of runs and I was really pleased with him.

"I'm just disappointed for him because it would have topped a great performance."

Next up for Barnet is a trip to Leyton Orient in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday night.