Dean Brennan likes what he sees from his Barnet team as Chesterfield are beaten

Barnet boss Dean Brennan praised his team after their 1-0 win over Chesterfield, which kept the Bees just two points off the Sky Bet League Two play-off places.

Nnamdi Ofoborh’s stunning strike flew into the roof of the net, beating Chesterfield goalkeeper Zach Hemming at his near post.

Barnet defended resolutely, denying Armando Dobra twice late on, and secured their 14th clean sheet of the season.

“Keeping the level of performance and the standards we set for ourselves was very important,” said Brennan.

“Our clean sheets are a team effort as everyone contributes. To achieve 14 without a full season back in the Football League is an amazing achievement.”

Reflecting on the Bees’ promotion hopes, he added: “We have 53 points and realistically need 75 for the play-offs. Now we have a real chance. The win was great for our supporters, but we stay focused, one game at a time.

Brennan also lauded captain Danny Collinge, calling it ‘a captain’s performance’.

He explained: “Every week he shows the same attitude and composure, settles the team, and leads by example. When we were up against it, he organised and steadied the team – a real leader’s performance.

“We created chances, kept stepping forward, and coped well with what Chesterfield threw at us. It was tight, but we got the right result.

“Considering where we are now, on the same points, it’s an amazing moment for the club.”

Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb blamed his side’s second-half lapses for the 1-0 defeat, which leaves the Spireites outside the play-off places and level on points with their opponents, despite having a game in hand.

“It’s becoming a recurring theme in the way we start our second halves,” said Webb.

“We defended well for most of the game and created a couple of good chances, particularly from distance, but in the second half we were a bit sloppy, giving the ball away in areas you don’t want to.

“Nnamdi Ofoborh picked the perfect moment to score with a very good finish.”

He added: “They were quicker to second balls and kept reloading the box, which we defended against, but we didn’t capitalise on our opportunities.

“You do make your own luck and today it didn’t go our way which is extremely disappointing. We had chances to take control, but the ball didn’t bounce for us in key moments.

“We’re now chasing teams above us and face a tough game against Colchester, who also have play-off aspirations.

“We’ve had too many draws this season and missed opportunities to win games.

“The league table doesn’t lie. If we tidy up at the back, take our chances, and roll up our sleeves, we can still push into the play-offs and finish the season strongly.”