Sometimes a manager sums up the thoughts of everyone at a football club in just one sentence.

“Three weeks ago if you said we would play five games, win four and draw one, I would’ve given you amazing odds.”

Those were the words of Barnet boss Lawrie Sanchez after the Bees 2-1 victory against Macclesfield Town.

He was looking back over what has been the best month of the season for the Bees.

Players brought in on loan have made an instant impact.

Stalwarts of the side have raised their game, perhaps not wanting to be outdone by the new recruits.

And Barnet remained unbeaten throughout November, moved out of the League Two relegation zone and progressed through the rounds of two cup competitions.

Sanchez has had worse months – just think back to how Barnet ended October, going down 6-3 at home against Burton Albion.

It was a crushing defeat but proved to be a turning point. A catalyst for the redevelopment of, what was at the time, the worst defence in League Two.

“What we have done is stop conceding goals at the rate of knots we were before. Three goals conceded in the last five games gives us a chance in matches,” said Sanchez.

He continued: “The average age of the three lads that have come into defence can’t be more than 20. Michael Hector was outstanding (against Macclesfield), and his partnership with Paul Downing is a bit like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

“Paul is the quieter, unassuming one but heads every ball and does his job and Michael around him is very tidy, very quick and very sleek.

“And Jack Saville comes into left back and although it is not his preferred position, he is a centre-back, he gives us height in both boxes which is important."

While delighted with the young loanees Sanchez was quick to praise the more established players in his squad, such as captain Mark Hughes.

“Mark has been outstanding this month and along with Sam Deering they have probably been our best two players in November.

“The younger players have stimulated that. Players like Clovis (Kamdjo) and (Mark) Byrne have also stepped up to the plate.

“But the front six hasn’t changed. Danny Senda has come back into the team and performed brilliantly.”

It was a busy month in the transfer market for Sanchez as six new players arrived at Underhill.

Alongside the aforementioned defensive trio, Alassane N’Diaye signed on a free transfer while Gavin McCallum and Cedric Baseya joined on loan.

Sanchez said with many in his side still recovering from injuries he is pleased to be able to name a full bench, something that did not happen against Southport in the FA Cup first round.

He added: “We have got good substitutes and have the likes of Ricky Holmes, Charlie Taylor and Darren Dennehy to still come back. We have now got lots of options”

The Bees face a tough test to keep their unbeaten run going this weekend as they host MK Dons in the second round of the FA Cup.

Sanchez is expecting a tough test but believes it will be a good experience for the younger players in his squad.

“We are at home. We have some exciting players in our team and we can score goals.

“It will be a good test for our younger players and the new lads because it is stepping up a touch in quality.”