Barnet assistant coach Connor Smith hailed the performance of his players as the Bees emerged 2-0 winners over Rochdale at the Hive on Tuesday.

The north London side, who travel to Bromley on Saturday for an FA Trophy quarter-final clash, climbed above their National League counterparts into second place thanks to goals from Callum Stead either side of the break.

“It was a great performance. I’m delighted with the three points, as it was the target before the game started, so to get that going into the Trophy weekend is a massive result for us,” Smith told the club website.

On the performance of matchwinner Stead, Smith spoke of the desire the Barnet striker shows week in, week out and how he has been rewarded for his endeavours throughout the season.

“He was brilliant. He’s always a threat every time he plays,” added Smith gleefully.

“He gets chances, we know that. He’ll always run towards the goal and make movements from behind, and he’s a threat throughout every game.

"It’s no surprise that he’s picked up another two goals. He could have had three or four - brilliant positions from Steady and he thoroughly deserved to get the two goals.”

In another impressive home performance, the Bees continued to create chances in front of their fans and could have won by more than the two-goal margin on the night.

But Smith was staying grounded ahead of what looks to be a season-defining week.

“It’s been the story of a lot of games this season. We’ve dominated a lot of games, created a lot of chances, and probably not put them to bed as early as we would have liked,” he said.

“Two-nil, but probably should have been three or four if we’re being honest.

"I thought our tactics were brilliant; we changed it up a little bit as we knew their frailties were physicality and energy, so we went with three athletic lads up front and took the game to them.

"It’s worked well for us and we’re pleased with the three points.”

First-half goals from Gatlin O'Donkor and Anthony Hartigan helped promotion-chasing Barnet claim a 2-1 win at Hartlepool on Saturday.

But Dean Brennan’s side now put their National League commitments to the back of their minds as domestic rivals Bromley welcome them to Hayes Lane on Saturday (5.30pm), with a place in the last four of the Trophy at stake.

League commitments then continue when they host Eastleigh just three days later, as Bees look to build on their recent form, which has seen them win three of their last five.