Martin Allen felt Barnet’s reaction to conceding a late equaliser, before going on to beat Forest Green Rovers 2-1, was testament to the mental strength of his side.

The Bees took the lead in the 13th minute when Andy Yiadom tucked home from close range, after John Akinde had struck the upright with his third penalty in seven days.

Two minutes before the end, a ball in was knocked down by 6ft 7in centre-half Luke Oliver and Rob Sinclair seized the initiative to lash home what appeared to be the goal which would secure Ady Pennock’s side a point.

However, in injury time, Barnet won a corner and Sam Togwell’s delivery was met firmly by the forehead of Bondz N’Gala, who guided the ball behind Sam Russell to win the tie with his first goal in black and amber.

Reflecting on the win, Allen was quick to praise the mentality of his players, who refused to accept being pegged back and immediately sought a winner.

He said: “The attitude and the character of the players [shone through]. Bondz N’Gala of all people [to score the winner]; he has got a very good record in the past on set plays and he’s been very unlucky so far this season.

“A centre-half coming up and rescuing the game for us; you could see how happy all our players and all our supporters were. That is what has got to happen. To come back after 88 minutes and get that equaliser, it is testament to the mental strength of all the players, all the staff and the way this group of players keep going.”

The Bees head coach continued: “It is testing, but as soon as they scored, we attacked again. We set out at half-time to attack them. We knew there were going to be spells [where they would be on top].

“They are big spenders, they have a lot of high earners; they are in a different world to us, they way they can spend and sign players. But what we have got is team spirit, an attitude, a unity and they are very fit, young, enthusiastic, and believe in each other and support each other.

“These are good days to be involved,” he added.

Allen was less-than-impressed with the performance of referee Mr Adam Hopkins and cut a frustrated – often animated – figure on the touchline at The New Lawn from the outset.

He fumed: “I thought the referee was pretty...it is not worth my commenting on that; I never say anything about the referee.

“I thought it was very difficult for us this afternoon, not only playing against their team, but how their centre-back who won the header [Luke Oliver] for their goal, how he wasn’t booked after five minutes when he brought down John Akinde when he was clean through. It was quite ridiculous.

“I will never understand that decision. After that he must have had about another ten fouls where he never got another yellow card – I could not understand the referee’s logic.”