Martin Allen felt he could have made more changes to his Barnet side after admitting the physical exertions of Saturday's FA Cup exit played some part in Barnet’s 3-2 loss to Torquay United.

The Bees were forced to play more than 45 minutes with ten men against League Two side Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, whilst Chris Hargreaves’ side were not in action at the weekend.

Allen made four changes to his starting XI – two enforced – but felt with hindsight he could have made more.

He explained: “Perhaps I should have made more [changes]. It did not happen for us and there is always that possibility after such a big game that it is going to be a little bit leggy and flat-footed.

“They had not played for ten days and they looked fresh and full of spirit – the same spirit we normally have. You could say ‘for some reason it was not there’, the reason being, I would say, the game on Saturday took so much out of our players.”

The Bees boss continued: “I made some changes tonight to freshen it up and bring some fresh legs in because I was aware how tiring the game was on Saturday.

“I think the players gave plenty of effort tonight, but it was frustrating for all of us, because they were just lacking a yard of pace and power. We never got going at the tempo and pace that our team pays and then, it kind of looked laboured.

"It was frustrating to watch and after the game, in the dressing room, I thought the players were very disappointed and what they now need is our help.”

He added: “I thought it was very frustrating after what I thought on Saturday was an outstanding team. I think it is fair to say that we never played with the energy that we have had, I would say, for just about all the games that we have had this season.”

However Allen did not feel it was all doom and gloom, with substitute Bernard Mensah scoring his first goal for the Bees after coming off the substitute’s bench.

“There are some positives,” stated Allen. “Some of our players have played well. I am sure some of the players will be delighted with the way they have played tonight, but all of us are disappointed with the result.

“Bernard, perhaps he was unlucky not to start tonight, but he is going to be a good player for this club. I have got fantastic reports from Alan Devonshire (Braintree Town manager) about Bernard.”

You can read tonight’s match report by clicking here.