Barnet boss Darren Currie was encouraged by his side’s fighting spirit despite falling to a 2-1 defeat at Harrogate Town in the National League on Tuesday night.

After Jack Muldoon and George Smith gave Harrogate a two-goal lead in the opening 20 minutes, the Bees responded well and halved the deficit through David Tutonda before half time.

Although they laid siege to the Town goal in the second half, Barnet failed to find an equaliser, even after Jonathan Stead had been given a straight red card for a nasty challenge on Dan Sweeney 13 minutes from time.

Speaking to Barnet FC after the game, Currie felt proud of the spirit his side showed but was again left frustrated with how they defended for the goals.

“We found ourselves 2-0 down with another mountain to climb. It’s disappointing to concede from set pieces. It’s a real problem for us at the minute but I saw a fight and a spirit about us tonight. Although I’m happy about seeing that, it doesn’t take away the fact that we’ve been beaten again, which is bitterly disappointing.”

After conceding two quick-fire goals, the Bees carved out multiple chances to get themselves on level terms however Currie pointed to a lack of killer instinct which cost his side.

“We threw everything at it in the second half, but we just didn’t have that killer touch at the end. Josh [Walker] has had a great chance to get us a point right at the death. We just lacked in the final third.”

Despite the defeat, which leaves Barnet with just one win in their last nine league games, Currie signalled that his side’s spirited performance could help to kick-start their season.

“I truly believe we deserved something out of the game, but it hasn’t come. Strangely enough, that still could be a turning point for us because of the willingness, the fight and the determination that the boys showed tonight to try and get back into it gives me real hope about this group.”