A convincing Barnet performance against Southend United on Saturday had manager Dean Brennan ecstatic as the Bees cruised to a 3-0 win at Roots Hall.

With just a point separating the EFL hopefuls and National League leaders Forest Green Rovers, a rare Danny Collinge brace added to an own goal set Brennan’s men on their way to a crucial victory, having not won in their previous four outings.

“It’s so tough to come here. Our attitude to work, our attitude to defend, our attitude to track runners. Southend are a really aggressive team, and they want to make lots of contact off the tackles,” Brennan told the club website.

“I thought tactically we did well by keeping the ball on the outside of the pitch so we wouldn’t allow them to tackle us. They’re a good side. We got a tiny bit of luck at 2-0 when they had a goal chalked off that maybe shouldn’t have been.

“It wasn’t right, but I thought we had a colossal performance. It’s the same as Tuesday (the draw with Forest Green Rovers); our mentality is spot on. The lads who came off the bench made a big impact as well, so all in all, I thought it was a fantastic performance.”

One of Brennan’s few frustrations with his side this season has been their profligacy in front of goal. Collinge’s double put these concerns to bed against Southend, as the Bees came away with a deserved victory.

“The first goal comes from a corner, and the game is tight as we’re both feeling each other out,” he added.

“I thought our second goal was a fantastic goal. It’s great to see Shelton arriving (to score). I think that’s his seventh goal from midfield, so we’ve got another Pritchard on our hands. Not bad.

“It’s no surprise to me. Danny works on those every Thursday, 48 hours before every game, Danny works on his heading,” said Brennan on Collinge’s unlikely double.

“He’s a great pro. He was a huge miss for us when he was out injured. He’s back now, and he’s a real leader. He’s come a long way in the last couple of years with us, and I’m delighted for Danny. He’s been through a tough time personally as well. He’s a good kid.”

The result sees Barnet move back into second place in the National League table and they are now 12 games unbeaten.

“In our first 15 games, I think we lost five. In our last 12, we’re unbeaten," said Brennan.

"We still feel that we should have more points, but it is what it is. We can only affect today. We learn from yesterday, and we look forward to tomorrow.

“It’s hard to come here (Southend). The last three times I’ve been here, I think we’ve won. That’s a really big achievement for Barnet Football Club.”

The Bees host Maidenhead United at The Hive this Saturday as Brennan’s side continues their pursuit of promotion to League Two.