Martin Allen has demanded that Barnet go back to basics after a 3-1 home defeat to Mansfield Town made it four league matches without a win.
The Bees boss wants his players to work as hard as they did during their title winning Conference campaign last season, starting with a strong defensive base.
He said: “With every game we play, everybody has to be on their game. We are not a brilliant silky soccer Brazilian team. We are hardworking and everybody has to do their job.
“That is how we won the championship last year whereas at the moment we are just lacking in a couple of little areas and it’s costing us dear.
“At any level, you have to be difficult to beat, and then the other part comes afterwards and at the moment we are not quite as competitive as we have been in the past.”
A slip from Bondz N’Gala gave Mansfield the first real chance of the match as Craig Westcarr raced through on goal but his shot was well saved by Jamie Stephens.
The Bees felt they should have had a penalty on the half hour mark when the ball struck the hand of Krystian Pearce but referee Trevor Kettle waved play on.
Mansfield made it 1-0 just a minute later. Matt Green flicked the ball wide with the outside of his foot and Chris Clements’ header on was volleyed into the far corner by Reggie Lambe.
The turning point of the match came in the 37th minute as Barnet’s Josh Clarke was sent off for a second bookable offence when his desperate hack on Lambe halted a promising Mansfield break.
Allen made no changes at the break and the Bees lined up in a 3-4-2 formation for the start of the second half which they started brightly.
Aaron McLean tried his luck with two long range free-kicks but Barnet’s inability to create any real chances saw Allen call for John Akinde from the bench.
However, Barnet were 2-0 down in the 59th minute when Westcarr’s perfectly weighted through ball was steered into the bottom corner by Green.
Michael Gash could have instantly replied for the Bees but the forward lost his footing when through on goal and his shot lacked the power to beat Jensen in the Mansfield goal.
Barnet looked far more dangerous following the introduction of Akinde and his stooping header sailed just wide with Town goalkeeper Jensen out of position.
Akinde then pulled a goal back for Barnet as he coolly converted a penalty awarded by referee Trevor Kettle when the big striker was scathed down by Jensen with 15 minutes remaining.
Allen revealed that Akinde started on the bench because he needed a rest after a hamstring issue prevented him from training yesterday.
He said: “John has been fantastic for Barnet since I’ve got here, he has been a great signing.
“I think he probably needed to have a little break and there is no doubt he’ll be playing next Saturday.
“He came on today and I thought he looked much stronger, much pacier and with much more energy about his game and that has been lacking recently.”
Allen was also full of praise for veteran midfielder Nicky Bailey who lasted just over an hour on his first start since re-joining the club.
Bailey started in his familiar deep lying playmaker role before being asked to fill in at right-back for a short spell in the second half.
He said: “It’s good to have him back playing. It’s difficult for him at the moment because he hasn’t had enough games but he’s been training really hard.
“He brings experience and knowledge and I was really pleased with his contribution.
“He’s got self-belief, confidence and a huge desire to win. He will help me pull the others round and get everybody in shape.”
Barnet frantically pushed forward as they looked for the equaliser but Elliot Johnson’s goal-bound shots was brilliantly saved by Jensen.
Mansfield were also down to ten for the final 20 minutes as Clements received his second yellow for pulling Shaun Batt’s shirt.
And the result was left in no doubt just three minutes from time when an almighty goalmouth scramble ended with Luke Gambin firing into his own net from close range.
The poor run of results leaves Barnet languishing in 19th place but Allen praised the attitude of his players and warned against giving them the hairdryer treatment.
He said: “These footballers are all a bit sensitive. We have bought some new ones in and the step up has not been easy but there were always going to be times like this.
“We have to work on the training pitch to support the players, look after them and hug them.
“This is certainly not the time to hit them with a stick because their attitude is spot on. We’ve got no lightweights here, nobody that turns their back on responsibility.
It certainly won’t help shouting at them and throwing tea cups that is for sure.”
