Barnet’s poor start to the season continued yesterday as we were beaten by Gillingham 3-1 at Underhill.

This author was not fortunate (or unfortunate!) enough to attend the game, but our games seem to be following very similar patterns at Underhill.

In both of the last two home games, Barnet have conceded two early goals, pegged a goal back, only for the opposition to restore a two goal lead.

Can we read anything in to that?

Well, it is clear that the players lack concentration in the first quarter of the game.

If you look at the five league games so far Barnet have conceded seven goals in the first quarter of the game, just over 58% of the total goals conceded.

Even more staggering, is the statistic that in four out of five league games, Barnet have gone into half time with a two goal deficit.

The team have conceded a relatively miserly two league goals in the second half of games, but general the damage is done by then.

If Barnet are to pick up points this season, the team need to stop throwing goals away in the first 25 minutes or so.

The lack of fire power in the squad, which has been demonstrated by just three league goals in five league matches, means the team has to tighten up at the back.

This might require Mark Robson to re-assess the expansive style he is trying to get the team to play. Perhaps the expansive style has led to the gaping holes we have seen in the Barnet back line so far this season? Have Barnet been overplaying?

Successful teams in League Two tend to have target men up top who hold the ball up. Direct and powerful with the ability to score goals. Barnet had McLeod last season. Giillingham have Danny Kedwell, one of the most powerful strikers in the League this season and players like Northampton Town’s Adebayo Ainfenwa will exploit any weakness in the Barnet game plan.

It is early days though. Mark Robson and his team need time to gel. The problem is that after four defeats in the league and no wins, people on the terraces are already starting to fear a season of struggle, for the fourth consecutive season in League.

To put it bluntly, things need to start clicking and very soon.