Barnet extended their winless run in the National League to four games after a 2-0 defeat away at Hartlepool United on Saturday.

Two first-half goals from Nicke Kabamba had Pools in control and Jack Taylor’s red card shortly after the hour mark ensured the Bees finished the game with 10 men.

Hartlepool caretaker boss Anthony Sweeney has now won all three of his games in temporary charge after the sacking of Craig Hignett, while Darren Currie’s only win since the thrashing of AFC Fylde has been in an FA Cup replay against Potters Bar Town.

The hosts opened the scoring after only six minutes when Luke James threaded through for Kabamba, and he finished well underneath Scott Loach.

Another well-taken effort from Kabamba doubled Hartlepool’s lead on 27 minutes, finishing off a fine team move to net his fourth goal in three league matches.

Fraser Kerr also came close for the home side but he saw his 30-yard drive crash back off the crossbar.

With few chances in the opening period, the Bees came the closest when Mauro Vilhete volleyed wide at the start of the second half.

Former Hartlepool stopper Loach was twice alert to deny Kabamba a hat-trick before the hour, but shortly after the Bees were reduced in numbers when Taylor was shown a second yellow card for a poor tackle on Peter Kioso.

Cheye Alexander was denied from pulling a goal back by a good Ben Killip save, but that proved to be the last of Barnet’s real chances as they drop to 12th in the table.

The Bees’ final game of the month comes tomorrow night as they travel to Harrogate Town for a 7.45pm kick off.