Dean Brennan praises Barnet’s ‘character’ and ‘togetherness’ in win over Barrow

Barnet manager Dean Brennan praised his side’s “character” and “togetherness” after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Barrow kept their League Two play-off hopes alive with three games remaining.

Josh Gordon stunned the hosts inside two minutes, but Kabongo Tshimanga equalised after a deflection on the stroke of half-time.

Mark Shelton put Barnet ahead early in the second half before Rekeem Harper levelled for the relegation-threatened side and – moments later – Callum Stead headed home the winner to seal a vital three points.

“We should have won the game by two or three more goals, but fair play to Barrow, they’re fighting for their lives,” said Brennan.

“We showed character to come back and I thought we were going to kick on. Their goalkeeper made a fantastic save, but you felt someone would get us a goal.”

Reflecting on recent setbacks, Brennan added: “I was thinking about the Bromley game and the way we conceded late. There are no easy games in this league, you see it at every level.

“They (Barrow) were well organised and there are no mugs at this level.

“If you’re not at it week in and week out, these things happen, but we’ve got good character.

“If there is no togetherness, there is no success. We showed great determination and had each other’s backs.

“Shelton and Stead came up with the goods when we needed it. We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. It’s about how we finish these final three games.”

Barrow interim boss Sam Foley felt the game was “defined by moments” as the result left his side’s survival hopes hanging in the balance.

The Bluebirds remain second-bottom in the table, four points from safety with four games to play.

“I was happy with the performance, but football matches are defined by moments and we’ve got the basics wrong at key times and it’s cost us,” said Foley.

“It’s disappointing because ultimately you need points. The lads have given everything, but we’re letting ourselves down and that’s the frustrating part.

“To come here, against a team with a good home record and score two goals is a huge positive.

“But to concede three and come away with nothing is disappointing.”

Despite their position, Foley insists belief remains within the squad heading into the run-in and added: “We know we are a good side and performances need to turn into points.

“That belief is going to be key now and the players will have to show real courage.

“We know the situation we’re in, but we’ll give it everything and go down fighting until the last day of the season.”