A desperately disappointed Eddie Howe admitted the 1-0 defeat for Bournemouth at Barnet was hard to swallow given his side's excellent performance.
Paul Furlong headed a trademark winner after 51 minutes, and this result coupled with Chester's home defeat by Macclesfield means the Bees are safe for another year.
"Given our position I'd rather have Barnet's ugly win than our excellent performance and no points, and I've said that to the lads after the game," said Howe.
"Although there are many positives and we`ve played really well and dominated the game it makes it all the more disappointing to lose it.
"We switched off for one moment at the back and credit to Paul Furlong who took his goal ever so well. He's still a handful even at 40."
Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.
