Allen return fails to inspire Bees

Martin Allen’s dramatic mid-week return to Npower League Two relegation candidates Barnet did not have an immediate impact as the Bees extended their winless run to nine matches with defeat at promotion chasing Southend United on Friday night.

Bilel Mohsni’s first half hat-trick leaves the North Londoners perilously above the relegation zone with Macclesfield Town and Hereford United just three points below Allen’s side going into Saturday’s matches.

A win for the Bulls at home to Northampton and a victory for Brian Horton’s Macclesfield at Bradford, will see Barnet plummet to the bottom of the table for the first time this season with just two fixtures remaining.

One crumb of comfort for Barnet supporters is that during Allen’s previous brief spell in charge at the end of last season, the Bees failed to win their opening match under his guidance before winning the next two, to galvanize their great escape from relegation.

Barnet return to Underhill for next weekend’s crucial encounter with AFC Wimbledon prior to a final day meeting with Burton Albion, in which Allen will be hoping to preserve Barnet’s Football League status for an seventh consecutive year.