Barnet forward Idris Kanu expressed his disappointment after the Bees crashed out of the FA Cup, losing 4-1 to League Two side Newport County in their second-round replay at the Hive.

Although Dean Brennan’s side started the game on the front foot, Gary Coughlan’s men soon took hold of the game and raced into a three-goal lead after just 25 minutes.

Strikes from Lewis Payne, Omar Bogle and a freakish own goal from Bees talisman Danny Collinge all but put the tie to bed within the opening half an hour.

Despite responding with a contentious goal of their own through the hand of Harry Pritchard, Brennan’s men were resoundingly beaten on the night, making it four defeats from their last seven in all competitions.

Speaking exclusively to the Times, Kanu gave an honest assessment of what went wrong for the Bees.

“They were just better than us - in both boxes," said the winger.

"They defended well, they attacked well. We got unlucky – hit the post and missed some chances but overall the better team won.

"It was an even game and they just took their chances when they came and you go from being under the cosh to defending deep. It was completely different and they can just counter attack.”

When asked what Brennan said to his players at half-time, Kanu shed light on the fact that his manager told them not to let their heads drop, especially given the occasion.

“He said 'it’s 3-1, don’t let your heads drop as it could be 3-2 or 3-3. Just keep on going and we might get there'. That’s all he said really,” added Kanu.

The Bees will now look to getting their season back on track and attempt to rediscover their stunning early season form which saw them battling at the top of the National League with leaders Chesterfield.

Since losing to their title-chasing rivals, the Bees have fallen away slightly and now sit three points behind south London side Bromley.

Brennan and his players travel to National League strugglers Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, before hosting local rivals Boreham Wood in a mouthwatering derby the following Saturday (December 23) to begin a hectic Christmas schedule.

They visit Southend United on Boxing Day (1pm), then host a return meeting with the Shrimpers on December 30.