Edgar Davids insists his side are under the same pressure in the Conference this season as they were during last year’s relegation from League Two.

The Bees are one of the star attractions in the division this year and will have to handle expectations of a swift return to the Football League. But Barnet’s head coach believes their battle against the drop ensured they are well prepared to deal with the pressure of challenging at the other end of the table.

Davids said: “Last year we had the same pressure because we were in the relegation zone so we had to win every game and now if we’re a [promotion] contender, as people say we are, then we have to win every week as well, so nothing has really changed in our philosophy. For us it is the same thing.

“It’s definitely a challenge, and always a challenge, to let your team play the way you think they can play the best.”

The former Dutch international midfielder expects Barnet to improve as the season progresses after seeing his side pick up four points from their opening two Conference games.

The Bees cantered to a 3-0 home win over Chester on Saturday but had to settle for a dour goalless draw at Tamworth on Tuesday night.

Speaking after the midweek match, Davids said: “It was obvious that we were the better team but still you have to score goals. I think the positive thing was that we kept a clean sheet and we will work on that.

“I think we had some better spells today but there were some things that can definitely improve.

“It’s good that we can improve and we played against a team that knows how to win like us last Saturday.

“It’s only normal that you suffer some difficulties. Every week there is a learning curve and it’s up to us to adapt.”

He added: “I said before that the first ten games are not going to be decisive so I think it’s going to be more important to see where we are in a couple of months.”

Barnet were never under any real pressure from Tamworth and had more possession and attempts on goal. But neither goalkeeper was stretched in the contest as the visitors were unable to break down the Lambs.

The Bees have yet to concede a goal this season but Davids believes this is due to a collective defensive effort from the whole side. He said: “The thing is they didn't trouble us because the midfield and also the attacking players put so much pressure on them, so I think it’s a team effort and not only about the players at the back that creates this opportunity.”

Barnet face their longest journey of the season this weekend when they travel to a Gateshead side which has lost both of their matches.

“It’s another away game [Gateshead] and it’s a long trip,” said Davids. “They definitely know how to play in this league so it’s going to be difficult for us. Every game is going to be tough and each match we have to improve to show that we’re a strong side.”

The Bees are likely to be without defender Jack Saville after he was taken off with a blow to the head during the Tamworth game.

The head coach said: “I think he’s going to be out for the next week because he has a big bump where he got elbowed but we don’t know the situation yet.”

Barnet’s home game against Wrexham will be shown by BT Sport on Sunday, October 13 with a 2pm kick-off.

The Bees will also be on TV when they host Cambridge on Saturday, November 16 at 5.30pm.