Dean Brennan was critical of Barnet’s defensive display but hailed their attacking talent as they twice came from behind to edge Dagenham & Redbridge 4-3 on Saturday.

The EFL hopefuls were under pressure to reignite their away form having lost their last two on the road and an early setback seemed to spark Bees into life as they recovered from 3-1 down to emerge with all three points.

“It’s a great advert for our division,” Brennan said.

“From our point of view, conceding after 23 seconds is just suicide football, and then to concede again with the third goal two minutes into the second half, I think that was their only three shots of the game, and they’ve scored three goals.

“We were in good control and responded really well (to conceding). We showed good character, and our supporters stuck with us. They drove us forward.

"I just had the bench to be able to make the changes, and that’s the difference. We can bring (Rhys) Browne and (Callum) Stead on. Browne made a huge difference in the game for us. He’s just so good. Steady made really good, penetrating runs.

“There were big moments in the game. At 4-3 up, Nicke misses a great chance. It’s a glorious chance on the line, and we have to put the game to bed there. I thought it could've hurt us. Glover missed a great chance with a free header, and Steady had a one-on-one which he should do better with.

“I’m thinking ‘This is going to come back to haunt us’ as I have an awful record here as a manager.”

Brennan had previously cited a lack of availability on the bench due to injury and suspensions, but Saturday’s clash found the boss with several options.

“It was about composure today, and I knew I had the bench. It’s massive,” he added.

“Browne, Stead, Tavares, Clifford. I had the bench that could change the game, and I knew I had that. They’re back now, and they’re massive for us. We’ve done so well to recruit these lads in bringing them to the club. Steady came in as a development player and has turned into a key player.

“Once we had that, I thought we’d open up an opportunity.”

The timely return of Rhys Browne offered Brennan some variation in the forward line as the experienced striker grabbed the winner and the Barnet manager was relieved to have him available for selection.

“He’s just a proper player. I love him. I’d pay to watch him play,” he said.

“The chairman can put the fees up if he wants, and I’ll pay £40 to watch this kid play. He’s just a beautiful player. He takes the ball on the back foot in tight positions, drops his shoulder, and hits it early to catch the keeper off guard.

“He’s just so good and a pleasure to watch. We’ve got to keep him on the pitch. The more we keep him on the pitch, the more games we win.”

The Bees host Woking this weekend before making the long trip to Yeovil on Wednesday as Brennan looks to keep his side focused on their promotion task.