Martin Allen revealed Barnet expected to beat League Two leaders Wycombe Wanders in the FA Cup on Saturday, joking the only injuries picked up were broken hearts following the 3-1 defeat.

The Bees were knocked out in the first round proper of the competition by Wanderers, who had to come from behind after John Akinde’s second-minute opener.

A contentious penalty decision saw the Blues draw level via Paul Hayes, and a straight red card for Sam Togwell just before half time only serve to stiffen the challenge facing Barnet.

Second-half efforts from Aaron Pierre and Sam Wood killed the tie off, before Andy Yiadom was also given his marching orders in the closing stages.

Asked if the Bees had picked up any injuries in defeat against the Buckinghamshire side, Allen replied: “I think the only thing that is injured are a few broken hearts.

“We thought we would win, we expected we would win. We wanted to take them and although we have put up a brave, valiant effort, we have had a defeat, but no doubt they will bounce back.”

The game marked captain MacDonald’s return to the side after almost two months on the sidelines following a medial ligament strain in his knee. A second-half substitute in victory over Welling United last weekend, the forward made his first start since September 10 against the Chairboys.

“It was good to have Charlie back,” stated Allen. “Going down to ten men and going against the wind and the rain in the second half, I thought it would be best to change to a 4-4-1 and try and stay quite attacking.

“I am pleased with Charlie, he has got no reaction to his knee injury and he will be fit and ready for Tuesday night. Part of my mind, it has got to be said, was having Tuesday night (against Torquay United) in mind for Charlie MacDonald.”

Player-coach Graham Stack echoed his manager’s thoughts on the former Charlton Athletic forward and enthused: “[It is a] massive, massive plus for us. For us to have done so well when he is out the side is a credit to the guys who have come in.

“But having Charlie back in the team; his work-rate, his experience, his hunger and desire to score goals and set up goals – which he does brilliantly [and did] again today [is important]. Even in the air he is a handful at times, [he is] deceptively good in the air.”

Stack added: “And alongside John (Akinde), they really complement each other on the pitch and Charlie is great off the pitch as well, he is great to have in and around the changing room and on match days.”

You can read Martin Allen’s verdict from Saturday’s defeat by clicking here, and Graham Stack’s views on a spirited showing by clicking here.