Despite the Spurs XI turning round the deficit to win 4-2 in Simon Parsell's testimonial with young Czech star Tomas Pekhart bagging a hat-trick, Allen was angry with the defensive mess at the start.

The development coach fumed: "At the start, basically, we were appalling.

"We were all over the place defensively and paid the price for failing to deal with what we knew they would throw at us.

"But you have to give the lads credit because three phases of excellent attacking play brought us back into the game and eventually into the lead at half-time. I was delighted with that aspect of our play.

"In the second half we were much better."

Allen accused his players of making it difficult for themselves against the Blue Square Premier side, adding: "There is a confidence from the players in each other's ability and what they are capable of.

"What we have to realise, though, is that the higher we go the better teams we play won't let us back into games like this."