Dean Brennan refused to criticise the efforts of his Barnet players after theys succumbed to a late fightback from League One side Exeter City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

As the scoreboard read 5-3 to the home side at full-time, Brennan looked to the positives, despite having led twice and ultimately failed to progress to the second round.

“It was a dramatic game and a horrible draw for us. Our priority is, obviously, the National League and trying to get promoted out of that,” he told the club website.

“I thought at 2-1, they tactically changed things and brought some pace on, and they get a penalty, which should be a foul to us. It’s a horrendous decision from the referee. I thought that changed the course of the game.

“We showed good character to go 3-2 up, and I just feel sorry for the players that played today because we have no pace and no attacking options off the bench. I’m watching them bring attacking options off the bench, and we just don’t have it. We needed that.

“So, I feel sorry for the players, but I have to commend our commitment, our attitude, and our character. I’ve had to put Jerome Okimo on as a ten.

“It’s frustrating. But we’re proud of our performance, and I thought we played really well for long periods.”

“I think our system hurt them at times. In the first half, we were very good in possession.

“Even (Ryan) Glover got injured in training, and I asked him to play. So, we didn’t have any options. He did it and scored a fantastic goal. All in all, we are proud and delighted for our supporters who came here and got behind us.

“It’s just frustrating. I know what needs to be fixed, and it’s just really, really frustrating.

The Bees dominated possession in the game and had the best chances throughout the first half against a side looking for promotion to the Championship this season.

After falling behind on 13 minutes, Bees saw Glover and Zak Brunt net to put them 2-1 up by the hour.

Nicke Kabamba quickly restored Barnet's lead after the hosts levelled, but Josh Magennis completed a hat-trick from the penalty spot and two injury-time goals saw the Grecians through.

Brennan took pride in how his players stuck to their principles on the day, adding: “It’s just our mentality. It’s just how we play.

“I think the difference in the game was the small margins. Even at 3-3, Nicke doesn’t pick out the right pass, and Magennis is an experienced player who led the line for them and scored a hat-trick. When you’ve got someone who can play like that, it makes a huge difference.

“For us, our overloads, the way we play and how we press was good. I thought Anthony Hartigan was man of the match. He was outstanding, so clean in possession and so brave. He always wanted the ball and made good forward passes. You can see why he’s played at this level."

The Bees host Oldham Athletic this weekend as they look to reclaim top spot in the National League.