Barnet manager Dean Brennan praised his side’s determination to right the wrongs of the first half after the Bees rallied to a 2-1 victory over Southend United on Saturday.

Summer addition Mark Shelton’s penalty secured the points for Brennan’s side, but just six minutes prior Gus Scott-Morriss levelled for the visitors after Harry Chapman’s expertly-taken opener.

And Brennan was delighted with Barnet’s willingness to claim the victory after a wasteful first half in front of goal.

“They’re a very good side. They’re a team that are pushing for promotion like ourselves,” said Brennan, when asked about Southend’s quality.

“They showed their character as well, coming back and equalising. I thought first half a little bit more quality in the final third which has sort of been our nemesis a little bit in the first four games. I think we could've been 4-0 ahead.

“Obviously a fantastic goal by Chappers. They’ve equalised second half, but to be fair to our lads, our subs made a huge impact. They made a big impact the other day as well. They were all involved in the goal on Tuesday night.”

The Bees, who now sit fifth in the National League had, struggled to make the most of their chances during the first period, and Brennan put that down to the ball dominance of the visitors.

“They started dominating the ball more in midfield. Cav Miley was getting way too much of the ball,” Brennan told the club website.

“We changed our system as he was dominating. Idris (Kanu) wasn’t having a great time against Gus Scott-Morriss.

“It was a sub I did think about five minutes earlier before he actually scored. He just looked tired and fatigued. We put Shelton on Miley. We put Richard Nartey in midfield against Coker and then we went two up front.

“We’re so short at centre-forward at the minute. It’s something we have to sort out and we’re trying to do it. Let’s see what happens as the window closes next week.

“Tactics happen in games. They’re a good team and they’ve got a good manager. We’ve adapted to that and I thought our goal and our response was outstanding.”

Barnet snatched the game away from the Shrimpers when Mark Shelton converted a penalty 20 minutes from time, leaving Brennan ecstatic with his players’ response after being pegged back.

“Brilliant. It’s a sign of a good side. There’s a long way to go. We’ve got 42 more games to go, but it’s a sign of a good side,” he said.

“The support I have from the chairman here has been outstanding. We’ve got a great relationship. We would've only had four players on the bench today if we didn’t sign the players we signed, so the support we’ve had has been outstanding.”

The hectic domestic schedule continued for Barnet on Monday as Brennan’s side were soundly beaten 3-1 by Maidenhead United at York Road.

The Bees next fixture sees them host Tamworth at the Hive on Saturday (3pm), before travelling to Gateshead a week later.