Maidstone United manager Hakan Hayrettin on their 4-3 National League defeat at Barnet

Hakan Hayrettin spoke of his frustration after Maidstone’s 4-3 defeat at Barnet on Tuesday night.

Hayrettin felt his side played well at the Hive but defensive frailties proved their undoing again.

The Stones boss tried a back three against the Bees but United conceded four goals in a game for the third time this season, as well as shipping five at Wrexham.

“I didn’t think we deserved to lose,” said Hayrettin.

“But for all the hard work we’ve done, we’ve let in four goals. If you score three goals away from home, you should win the game, shouldn’t you? Simple.

“We got two up front with the change of formation.

“I thought James Alabi did well up there and Jack Barham worked his socks off, as he always does, but we’re still leaking goals at the back.

"Listen, I’ll say this again, you score three goals away from home, you shouldn’t be losing. You should win the game."

Barnet led 1-0, 3-1 and 4-2, with Maidstone’s goals coming from Barham, returning from injury against his old club, and Regan Booty, along with an added-time own goal.

It was a fourth successive defeat for Hayrettin’s men and one that leaves them hovering just outside the National League bottom four, in 20th place.

The Stones boss is ready for the fight and the good news is injuries are starting to ease, with all bar long-term absentees Joan Luque and Raphe Brown at least training in some capacity this week.

"I'm used to this," said Hayrettin. "I’ve been here before, so I know what to expect.

"You’ve got to be mentally strong, you’ve got to stick to your ethos, you’ve got to get a group of players that will do what’s right and go from there.

"I've just got to rally the troops and get the boys ready for Halifax (fellow strugglers) on Saturday. It's just another