Dean Brennan hails Barnet’s mentality after late home draw with Colchester

Barnet boss Dean Brennan praised his side’s mentality after a battling 1-1 draw against Colchester but admitted they must start games stronger and find more fluency in selection.

Jack Tucker put Colchester ahead inside eight minutes with a superb strike, but Danny Collinge’s stoppage-time equaliser earned a point for Barnet.

“We need to stop making sloppy starts, especially when we come with a clear game plan,” Brennan said.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb – the goal we conceded was quite sloppy. Our response in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the first half was good.

“In the second half, we had two big refereeing decisions. Danny Collinge was fouled in the box and it was a stonewall penalty.

“Everyone in the stadium could see it, but the referee. Thankfully, we didn’t let that affect our mentality.

“We made a tactical change in the last 15 minutes, passed the ball again rather than going direct, and it worked — we scored from that.

“We’ve got a good mentality in the squad, but we need fluency in selection. We’re a bit off-balance on the left, playing right-footers there.

“It’s about consistent line-ups and subs which takes time. Once I get this right, I think we’ll win more games rather those losing games.

“Colchester are a high-tempo side and dominate possession. We need to create more clear chances and do more in the final third. But we deserved a draw.”

Colchester boss Danny Cowley was left frustrated after his side let a deserved win slip late on, despite a disciplined and resolute display.

“I thought we were very organised and gave up very few chances,” said Cowley.

“To be a goal up and defend the way we did, we deserved a clean sheet. It wasn’t to be and we have to suck up the disappointment of dropping two points.

“Our goal came from good decision-making and technical excellence – a great finish from Jack [Tucker]. We had some strong counter-attacks in the first half but couldn’t find the second goal, either due to good goalkeeping or a lack of execution.

“I was pleased with the team’s resilience which is always vital away from home, but disappointed with how we finished. We got a bit negative when we wanted to stay brave and keep pressure on the ball.

“We stopped pressing, our wide players dropped too deep and that cost us the win. It’s a lesson for us – we have to play right to the end.”

Cowley, who along with brother Nicky has committed his future to the club, added: “We’re early in our journey, but there’s a solid platform to build from. Hopefully we can add a couple before the window shuts.

“The fans were incredible, which clearly showed that we’re all aligned in where we want to go.”