Martin Allen insists Barnet's defeat against Torquay United on Tuesday was his fault and believes he must do better tactically ahead of Saturday's visit from AFC Telford United.

The Bees saw their lead at the top of the Conference cut to six points following a 3-2 loss against the Gulls and Allen was in a pensive mood ahead of Saturday's clash with the Bucks.

“I think I need to do better to be honest," Allen told the club's website. "I would definitely put that defeat on Tuesday down to me. The players need more help and support from me to get that win after what was a massive exertion after Saturday.”

“On reflection, I think it is fair to say that tactically I could have been better on Tuesday night. I think that the players gave everything they had that was left in their tank. I think I could have done more to help them with the way that we played."

Bottom of the league Telford make the trip to The Hive having won their last Conference fixture — 2-1 against Altrincham on Wednesday — and amid a run which has seen them win three and lose just one of their last six in all competitions.

As ever, Allen knows better than to take the opposition lightly: “As we all know, you would have to be mad to think that any game is going to be easy. Telford have just won two of the last three games that they have played.

“We have had them watched recently. A friend of mine went to watch them play. They are a decent side and a decent outfit and I think now they are really settling in and settling down and as we all know, every game is a tough game.”

The Bees will be without defender Sam Muggleton once more, whilst Andy Yiadom and Sam Togwell serve the second of their three-match bans for red cards picked up against Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday.

Bucks boss Liam Watson will be unable to call upon Steve Clancy, who suffered a broken collarbone and ribs in victory over Alty, whilst Steve Akrigg and Kristian Platt are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Click here to read our opposition profile for AFC Telford United.