Barnet put five past Welling United to return to the top of the Conference but manager Martin Allen was more pleased with a clean sheet than the flurry of goals his team banged in.

John Akinde celebrated being named the club’s triple player of the year with a brace after Mauro Vilhete had broken the deadlock at the Hive.

Michael Gash and Luisma made it a five-star performance going forward and the defence held firm to make it the perfect afternoon for Allen.

The Bees boss said: “The clean sheet is particularly pleasing for all of the players because they all have to defend and work hard when we don’t have the ball.

“The last two away games were always going to be a testing time because it was a big week with Eastleigh and Halifax away and this game here.

“Three games in a week, a lot of travelling and a pitch that was hard to play on Tuesday night. Thankfully we have got a very resilient squad and a determined and focused group.”

“We took the chances when they came our way and as with any win, it is still three points on the board – but you only get three points whether you win 1-0 or 5-0.”

Barnet now have six games remaining and are one point clear of second-placed Bristol Rovers.