Edgar Davids felt Barnet did enough to secure a draw at Oxford United but admitted the Bees paid the price for not being “sharp in the area.”

Barnet were not at their best but had defended well throughout the contest. However, a 95th minute header from Michael Raynes sealed victory for Oxford.

The defeat leaves the Bees just three points above the League Two relegation zone with nine games remaining.

A disappointed Davids said: “They had chances but football wise we did well. We had some good moments but they are a good side. I think they have one of the best players in the league in Jack Wright. He is a very good player.

“So they have a good squad and I am surprised they are as low as they are in the table.

“In the second half though they didn’t create a lot of chance and we neutralised them. If the game had ended as a draw then I think that would have been fair.

“In the last two or three minutes you need to be sharp though. You need to be switched on, mark your man and be sharp in the area. That is a lesson and whatever happens, happens. But you need to take responsibility.”

The Dutchman, who turns 40 today, added: “If you have a young team then it is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you are going to get.

“On the one hand you can’t be mad because we have a young squad. But you hope that they mature as quickly as possible.

“One game it is magnificent but then a few days later it is much less.”