Time to take a reality check.

Barnet manager Paul Fairclough said he and his players were doing just that this week, and the Times series thought it would be a good idea to follow suit.

Many fans were quick to criticise the Bees following their shocking' performance at Stockport on Saturday, and Fairclough said he didn't blame them.

"I have to question myself - I have to question the tactics - I have to question everything," he declared after the humbling 2-0 defeat.

But, as Fairclough attempts to raise his troops for this weekend's big clash with high-flying Lincoln City, a match Barnet are desperate to win, there are still reasons for fans to be cheerful - aren't there? That depends on which side of the fence you sit.

So, time to take stock. With more than a quarter of the season gone, is the Barnet fan's glass half full, or half empty?

Half full: Barnet are eight points ahead of bottom-club Macclesfield.

Half empty: They are only one point ahead of second-from-bottom Boston.

Half full: Barnet have just three points less than this time last season - and they sat top of the table in the early stages of the 2005/6 campaign.

Half empty: They have a stronger squad than last year and should be improving.

Half full: Barnet have only lost two of their last nine games.

Half empty: They have only won one of their last nine league games.

Half full: Barnet's defeat at Stockport was the first time they have lost a league game by more than one goal this season.

Half empty: They have only won two league games all season.

Half full: The Bees are one of the top scorers in the division.

Half empty: They also have one of the leakiest defences.

Half full: The last few matches (Stockport excepted) have provided first-class entertainment for the fans.

Half empty: Leaky defences often make for exciting games.

Half full: Prior to the Stockport game, the players were showing a lot of spirit and really fighting for the cause.

Half empty: They are maybe fighting too hard, with one of the worst disciplinary records in League Two (Adam Gross and Ian Hendon are one booking away from a suspension).

Half full: Midfielder Jason Puncheon is available for selection again following his three-match suspension.

Half empty: Goalkeeper Lee Harrison (hamstring) and Andy Hessenthaler (suspended) are the latest additions to the absentee list for Saturday's game.