Martin Allen described Barnet’s performance in this afternoon’s 2-0 defeat at Luton Town as “only all right”, admitting the Bees had needed to do better in order to beat John Still’s side.

The Hatters, who finished a place outside the League Two play-off places last season, secured their third win in as many meetings against the Bees at Kenilworth Road with goals in either half from Danny Green and Cameron McGeehan.

Barnet failed to hit the same levels as during their five-match unbeaten run and, speaking afterwards, Allen admitted as much.

He said: “I thought we did all right but it was just all right really. To come here you’ve got to do better than all right.

“After we’d weathered that initial storm early on – quite literally – I thought we were in good control.

“We had several opportunities where crosses have gone across the six yard box but no-one’s been there to convert or got ahead of their defenders.

“You’ve got to make those chances happen. When you come here you’ve got to be on top of your game and today there were too many players short.”

Asked what had been the difference today to a week ago and the 2-0 FA Cup win over League One side Blackpool, Allen was unable to put his finger on one factor.

“At 1-0 we were, I wouldn’t say dominating the game but everything was down at their end,” mused Allen. “They’ve scored on the counter-attack which was disappointing.

“But I suppose more disappointing was is the fact we’ve had crosses going across that six yard box numerous times and numerous good opportunities but we’ve not had anybody there to get ahead of them to get there first to get something out the game.

“Over the past month the whole squad has been absolutely fantastic but I think it’s fair to say we’ve dipped below our standards.ut I can’t knock them because they’ve been absolutely superb.”

The Bees’ best periods came at the start of both halves but save for one gilt-edged miss by John Akinde, the visitors struggled to work Mark Tyles in the Hatters’ goal.

Allen said: “Yes, we got into some good areas and we got some good crosses in and we had real penetration in our play.

“But we never had anybody there today to get ahead of their defender or be first to the ball to put into the net.

“It was the same on our set plays where we had good delivery. But I think their centre-backs today were very good, dominated our players and were probably key to the game today.”

Indeed, Jamie Stephens was by far the more involved of the two goalkeepers, making two excellent first half stops, and the former Liverpool youngster was duly praised by the Bees head coach.

“He’s a good goalkeeper, he developing fast and he’s still only young, of course. I’m delighted for him,” said Allen.

“I think a special mention too for Stacky (Graham Stack) because he looks after him and trains him.

"Even though he’s had an operation he still does all the work with him to keep him going to train him, improve him and develop him.

“He did make a few key saves but he didn’t have a great deal to do.”

Click here to read the match report as Barnet went down at Luton Town.