Martin Allen says he expects to make another addition before Saturday’s visit from AFC Telford United in order to cover the loss of Andy Yiadom and Sam Togwell to suspension.

The pair will miss Barnet’s next two fixtures as they serve three-match bans for red cards picked up in Saturday’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Wycombe Wanderers.

Speaking following Tuesday’s 3-2 reverse against Torquay United, he said: “We are going to be signing another player now, over the next couple of days ready for Saturday.

“With Togwell and Yiadom [suspended], we do need to strengthen the team. I think it is fair to say we would need a little bit of a helping hand because we are losing two of our starting players.”

Allen also confirmed the Bees were still no nearer to tying winger Adam Mekki to a contract. The former Aldershot player has been with the club on a non-contract basis since joining in August.

The 22-year-old made his third start for the club on Tuesday and Allen is still keen to get the wide-man under contract.

“Adam has been very good since he has been here; he has won games for us and helped us get to the top of the league,” Allen enthused.

“He is a good professional, a great person and I really like having him around the place [because] he is great for our team spirit and the unity of our dressing room. He works very hard.

“Perhaps it did not go as well for him as he would have liked it to tonight (Tuesday), but I am really pleased with him overall. I do not just judge it on one night, let’s look at the bigger picture – he has been an important part of it.”

The former Reading youngster was withdrawn after half-an-hour of Tuesday’s defeat by the Gulls, with Allen stating the change was tactical.