Graham Stack feels Barnet got away with it in beating Alfreton Town 2-1 but knows the Bees are there to be shot at by those below them.

The goalkeeper, who was fulfilling Martin Allen’s press duties immediately after Barnet’s win over the Reds, was encouraged by way the Bees found a way to victory.

He explained: “We’re up there to be shot at now. We’re top of the league and teams are going to come here and make it very difficult for us. I think that, today, was clear for all to see.

“They’ve got nothing to lose – people were expecting them to lose three or four here today but we didn’t approach it like that.

“We had a wake-up call against Lincoln at home when we weren’t good enough and we wanted to make sure that wasn’t the case again today. For 60 odd minutes it was, but fortunately enough, we got away with it a bit today - let’s just say that.”

Asked why the Bees struggled to get going in the first half, Stack said Nicky Law’s side had made life tough for Barnet.

He said: “We weren’t at it today for some reason. I don’t know why, it wasn’t through a lack of effort or through trying. I think they [Alfreton] came with a game plan and they frustrated us and they were organised and quite resolute; very hard to get through.

“But at the end of the day, it’s a tough league. Throughout the season we’re going to have to do that against teams, especially here, because teams will come and make it very difficult for us.”

Stack continued: “It took a bit of magic today to get us over the line. Luisma has got that; him and Cookie (Lee Cook) are probably the two with that sort of quality in this team that are capable of doing that. I think it was a game today that was going to be decided by a bit of magic and it was in the end.”

The player-coach was also full of praise for the Bees’ fans, who were out in force on Non-League Day.

“I’ve got to say as well, the supporters turned up in numbers today,” said Stack. “I don’t know if that was because it was Non-League Day, or because we were top of the league but they take massive credit as well today.

“That extra impetus they gave us in the last five minutes, they may not realise, but when you’re out there playing, that can make a hell of a difference.

“So credit to the supporters as well and the people that came in today – massive thank you to them on behalf of all the lads because I think in the end they were a major help to us.”