Barnet 1 Hartlepool 3

Nationwide League Division Three

Player-manager Tony Cottee blamed poor defensive play for Barnet's 3-1 defeat on Saturday against Hartlepool.

The visitors, who gave the Bees a 6-1 hiding a month ago, completed the double and stretched their unbeaten run to ten games, eight of which have been wins.

"Our defending was not good for any of their goals," said Cottee.

Barnet were also too lightweight in midfield.

Craig Midgley provided the passes for Kevin Henderson (17mins, 54mins) to give United a 2-0 lead.

Cottee (62mins) revived the Bees' hopes, following up after a shot from Tony Richards was blocked.

But Sam Shilton (65mins) assured Hartlepool of victory with a tremendous long-range shot.

Mark Gower, Barnet's recent £32,500 signing from Spurs, made his debut coming on as a substitute, replacing Leon Bell after 54 minutes.

Superb saves by keeper Lee Harrison prevented Hartlepool from boosting their tally.

BARNET: Harrison, Heald, Arber, Basham, Stockley, Flynn (Toms, 73) Goodhind, Bell, (Gower, 54) Currie, Cottee, Richards. Subs not used: Bossu, Niven, Gledhill. Man of the match: Harrison. Attendance: 2,565.