Martin Allen says Barnet can stay up after draw with relegation rivals Grimsby

Barnet manager Martin Allen says his side have “three World Cup finals” remaining following their 2-2 draw at Grimsby.

Mitch Rose’s penalty rescued a point for the hosts after goals from Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Curtis Weston had put the Bees in front following Danny Collins’ early opener.

The result means the London club remain five points from safety in League Two, with just three games left in their season.

But after finding themselves behind so early on, Allen admitted he wasn’t too disappointed to come away from Blundell Park with a point.

“I thought we were poor first half, and we didn’t really compete – that was very disappointing,” Allen said.

“After the players had been absolutely superb in training, they’ve shown great spirit. I was disappointed in the first half, but then in the second half we played very well, and I think a draw was probably a fair result overall.

“The second half was completely different, we showed much more tenacity, much more fighting spirit and much more desire.

“Perhaps in the first half, the occasion and the importance of every game we’re playing at the moment got to them, so to pick up a point is good, although there’s perhaps a tinge of disappointment of not getting all three after going ahead.

“As we know from our championship winning team, every point is an important point, and now it’s not three cup finals for us, we’ve got three World Cup finals.”

For Grimsby boss Michael Jolley, it was another step towards safety for his team as he continued his unbeaten run at home since taking charge of the Mariners.

But after their narrow escape through Rose’s penalty, the 41-year-old admitted to having mixed feelings to the result, which leaves them five points above the bottom two.

“I’ve got mixed thoughts really because we’re disappointed not to win the game, but I think it was important we didn’t lose the game as well,” said Jolley.

“Obviously going 2-1 behind late in the game, I think the boys showed good character to get back into it and earn a draw.

“I was pleased with the way we started the game, I thought we got on the front foot and we were a threat. Obviously we got the goal which was important.

“The second half disappointed me if I’m honest because we didn’t find the right balance with the ball, and I felt we were somewhat wasteful in possession and that was a frustration for us.

“I think the lads were maybe naturally anxious, knowing we were close to our target at that stage, but overall we’ll take the point. We’ve got three important matches left, and let’s go again into those.”