Barnet manager Dean Brennan admitted his side lacked the cutting edge required to secure victory after being held to a 1-1 draw by Crewe at the Hive.
The Bees flew out of the blocks, taking an early lead when Kabongo Tshimanga fired a low drive past Ian Lawlor at the near post.
However, the visitors responded in the 32nd minute with Owen Lunt meeting Reece Hutchinson’s cross to lash home the equaliser.
Brennan felt his side failed to capitalise on their early superiority, stating: “We were really dominant in the first half but didn’t manage to get a big enough lead. There was not enough cutting edge at the top end of the pitch.
“In the second half, we didn’t do enough. We dominated possession but without creating lots of chances. We can’t keep leaving our best chances until that late in the game.”
Despite the frustration, Brennan reserved praise for goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, who produced a string of vital saves to keep the scores level.
He added: “Cieran was sensational. You have to clap saves like that.
“We need to strive to get better and keep working hard. The plan is to be better at the top end of the pitch.
“At the moment it’s not enough, and the table doesn’t lie.”
The Bees sit 11th, six points off the top seven and one behind their opponents.
Crewe assistant Ryan Dicker praised his side’s resilience as he performed media duties after the Railwaymen had manager Lee Bell sent off in stoppage time following an argument with officials.
“Overall, we have to be pleased with a point against a decent team away from home,” said Dicker.
“They were on top in the opening 20 minutes and we found it difficult to gain control. We changed shape in the first half, which allowed us to equalise and create chances to actually get ahead.
“This group’s character and resilience shouldn’t be questioned. There is a real togetherness and unity here.
“Keeping picking up points consistently is going to be key for us to have a late push for the play-offs. A draw was a fair result.”
Lunt’s goal was the 21-year-old’s first since November.
Dicker added: “Owen has been excellent. He’s developing well and adding goals to his game by getting into the box more often. His goal ensured we didn’t leave empty-handed.”
