An impressive first-half performance and three valuable points left Barnet boss Dean Brennan pleased as they ran out 2-1 winners over Eastleigh at the Hive on Tuesday.

Excellent finishes by club captain Dale Gorman and new signing Gatlin O’Donkor saw the hosts race into a two-goal lead before Chris Maguire pulled one back for the visitors just before to half-time.

“It was a good performance in the first half. We should have had more at half-time. We got hit on the break - a little bit of ill-discipline from us,” said Brennan.

“All in all, I’m just delighted with the victory. I know Tuesday night games are very difficult, and it’s always good to bounce back after a defeat at the weekend [1-0 at Woking], so that’s the sign of a good side.”

The Bees had the likes of talisman Danny Collinge, Nicke Kabamba and goalscorer Gorman back in the starting line-up for the first time in a while, and Brennan was keen to acknowledge their importance.

“A lot of them have been out for a long time. I think it’s been eight weeks. We haven’t seen Danny since Christmas, and I think Gorman’s been out for three months,” he added.

“I’m just delighted to have them back, as they’re key players. You could see they were blowing towards the end, and to be fair to our supporters, they drove us home tonight. We really needed them in the late stages of the game.

“Laurie [Walker] made a couple of brilliant saves for us, and Idris [Kanu] has come on with some good ball-carrying in the wide areas. I thought we lacked that at times, but I couldn’t put him on too early.

"I had to take Danny off as well. He played 15 minutes more than I would've liked, as I just don’t want to take risks with key players for us.”

The return of club captain Gorman delighted the home crowd, as the midfielder received a loud reception when his name was read out on the tannoy, and Brennan was equally as pleased.

“He’s a great leader, great around the camp, even when he’s not playing. He’s helping out around the place with good vibes,” Brennan said.

“I thought it was a fantastic goal. A great first touch. It seemed like a bit of a half-volley to me, and with his left foot as well. It’s nice to see, and I’m delighted for him.”

The Bees now face a hectic period with games every few days between now and the end of the season, starting on Saturday when Dorking Wanderers visit the Hive.

Brennan’s men then travel to Birmingham to face Solihull Moors on Good Friday (3pm).