Martin Allen has stressed Barnet’s 3-1 win over Dagenham & Redbridge does not make a season and feels the Bees have played better this season and still lost.

This was, though, Barnet’s best 90 minute performance in League Two this season – though the Daggers’ ineptitude played a sizeable part in that – and the hosts controlled proceedings throughout.

Michael Gash stabbed home after a minute to put Allen’s side in front before Andy Yiadom curled home a delightful second before the break.

The in-form Gash then added his fourth in as many games to put Barnet 3-0 up and in cruise control.

Daggers substitute Jodi Jones pulled one goal back just after the hour with an inch-perfect free-kick beyond Max Crocombe, but the east Londoners could not make things uncomfortable for the Bees by getting a second.

Reflecting on the win, Allen said: “We have had to try to reinforce the positive messages with the players and I have said from day one they are a good group.

“Of course, the performance today doesn’t make a season, it is just three points and we’re onto the next one now.”

Asked if he felt this had been Barnet’s best display of the season, he replied: “No, we have played better than that on quite a few occasions but haven’t come out with anything.

“Today the finishing was much better and the end product was much better. We have played like this quite a few times but just haven’t come away with the goods.”

He had words of praise for striker John Akinde, who despite not scoring, again had a hand in two of his side’s goals, just as he had done a week earlier against Stevenage at The Hive.

“He was superb – and he got two assists last week too,” said Allen.

“He worked his socks off for the team and the supporters back him with great energy, which I think all of us appreciated. We are a team and a squad with a tight-knit group. We all defend, attack and score. We are all classed as one.”

Fumnaya Shomotun was again included amongst Barnet’s substitutes and looked set for his Football League debut before the Daggers hauled themselves up off the canvas to score.

Full-back Hakeem Odoffin was another member of the youth team named in the matchday squad, something Allen was pleased to be able to do.

He said: “I also liked it today that we had two of our youth team on the bench.

“They were both going to go on if we could have lasted another five minutes before that kid (Jodi Jones) hit that free-kick.

“I am conscientious about getting some of those boys up with our group. They are both 17, I think, but they are both good players.”

You can read the match report from Barnet's win by clicking here.