Barnet captain Charlie MacDonald believes the Bees can mount a challenge in League Two after they clinched the Conference title last weekend.

The striker, who tasted promotions with Brentford, Crawley and Charlton, won the fourth tier of English football with the Bees in 2009 and believes his side can emulate Luton in dealing with the step up.

He said: “I don't want to disrespect League Two but the gulf with the leagues is not great. With the bulk of this squad and a few additions we can have a go.

“Luton showed great form from the winning mentality. We've played Wycombe twice and there was nothing between us until the sending off in the cup.

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“We know we can have a right go. It goes to show that if you've got the right team, blend of experience and have that winning mentality.

“You can take that on. We did that with Brentford as we took it on and finished ninth in League One. It's exciting times for the club.”

MacDonald admitted that winning the Conference is up there with his other promotion successes and believes their desire to win games was what saw them over the line.

He added: “I won League Two with Brentford, the Dr Martens Prem with Crawley and part of the Charlton team that went up to the Premier League but this is up there with the highest because captaining this group of players is fantastic all season.

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“The ability we have in this dressing room is second to none but we're a bunch of winners. We might have lost more games than others but we've won more than others and that's why we're promoted.”

The striker was also full of praise for manager Martin Allen for guiding the club through a 46-game campaign to a spot back in the Football League.

MacDonald explained: “The gaffer has brought in players and we go by how he wants to play. The attitude, commitment and application, day in and day out is there for all to see. We had ups and downs during the season but what a fantastic day.

“It's a great feeling winning titles. A lot of footballers go through their careers not winning anything. It's the first time for some of these young boys. I'm sure they'll go and produce more special moments through their career.”

MacDonald is also hopeful to extend his stay at The Hive and have another crack at league football.

He said: “I hope to stay. I'll have to sit down with the gaffer. I've enjoyed it, injuries aside, and I feel I have a lot more to offer. Fingers crossed something gets sorted out.”