Martin Allen felt Barnet were lacking energy, tenacity and passion in today’s 3-1 defeat by Mansfield Town and stressed the Bees must rediscover the qualities which won them the Conference last season.

Defeat against the Stags at The Hive made it four League Two matches without victory, a stark contrast to the five-game unbeaten run which preceded this slump.

Barnet were second best in the first half and fell behind to Reggie Lambe’s volley. Brentford loanee Josh Clarke was then sent off for a second yellow card before half time to worsen matters.

Matt Green added a second for the visitors after 59 minutes before John Akinde halved the deficit with 12 minutes remaining.

Referee Trevor Kettle levelled things up by sending off Mansfield’s Chris Clements but a late Michael Nelson own goal helped the Stags over the line as Barnet pushed for an equaliser.

Speaking afterwards, Allen said: “Mansfield lost 2-0 at home in the week and their manager (Adam Murray) said after the game they lacked desire.

“With any manager at any team you’ve got to have that within your group. Today I thought it was just ok.

“In the games we’ve won we’ve been high energy, tenacious, played with real passion. You couldn’t say the same about the Luton Town and Notts County games. The games have been very similar. We’ve just done ok.

“It was ok. It was ok. I thought it was ok. It was just about ok really. We can play better than that. After such a good run it’s been a disappointing couple of weeks. After playing so well and with so much spirt, self-belief and tenacity.”

Discussing what had gone wrong further, Allen added: “Everybody has to be on their game. We’re not a brilliant, silky soccer Brazilian team. We’re hard working and everybody has to do their job within our team.

“That’s how we won a championship last year and at the moment we’re just lacking in a couple of areas and it’s costing us dear.

“Saying that, we had chances in the second half where their goalkeeper has pulled off a couple of world class saves.”

Goalscorer Akinde started on the bench for the second match in succession after Allen revealed he was suffering from a tight hamstring after Tuesday’s 4-2 defeat at Notts County.

He was introduced before the hour today and was a rare bright spot on a dismal afternoon for Barnet.

“He didn’t train on Friday so he’s been rested,” explained Allen. “John has been fantastic for Barnet since I got here.

“He’s been a fantastic signing and I think he probably needed a break and a rest. There’s no doubt he’ll be playing next Saturday.

“He came on today and he looked much stronger, quicker and more energetic. And that has been lacking recently.”

Asked for his view on Clarke’s red card, the Bees head coach replied: “I thought the referee got it right.”

And Allen wouldn’t be drawn into discussing the controversial moment of the first half when former Barnet loanee Krystian Pearce appeared to handle the ball in his own penalty area.

Less than a minute later Lambe gave the Stags the lead but Allen was quick to deflect attention from the decision.

He said: “He’s a very good referee and we have to accept his decision. Earlier in the season I criticised referees for some of their decisions which I’m disappointed in myself about.

“I think it’s probably best I don’t say anything about what he saw or didn’t give.”

He continued: “It’s frustrating for the players but I think, like myself, they all know we’ve got to do better.

“We’ve got promoted up to this league and we knew there would be some tough times and now you can’t turn your back on it.

“You’ve got to face up to it, deal with it, play through it, manage through it and I’ve got to help the players through it.”

You can read the match report from defeat at The Hive by clicking here.