Martin Allen was in a chirpy mood after his Barnet side overcame Northampton to secure their first win of the league season.

John Akinde scored from the spot after being brought down by Jason Taylor, who was sent off for the offence, before securing the win on 90 minutes after catching goalkeeper Adam Smith off his line to round him and roll the ball into the net.

Below are the key comments from the Bees manager's press conference.

On the win

Goals: John Akinde

"We've played better in the other games (Leyton Orient and Wycombe) and not won. It's a funny game. The other performances have been much better and we've come away with a win. It's a relief for the players and a massive relief for the supporters."

On the half-time team-talk after a poor opening 45 minutes

"They needed help, encouragement and support. We've played better than tonight and lost. It was good the crowd got behind them. It's been quite crazy. It's good for the players and the supporters and we go on with three points on the board."

On Luke Gambin's display

"Perhaps I shouldn't have played him on Saturday after his great display at Millwall. The game opened up for him and he showed what he can do. I've had to find a replacement for Luisma Villa after he said he wanted to go back to Spain. Finding players with technical abilities to change a game are hard to find but Luke has done."

On Adrian Whitbread leaving

Leaving: Adrian Whitbread

"Adrian had offers in the summer to coach and manage in America. It's a great job that he's got. It's a big loss. He's a great right hand man. He's washed all the kit. He washes all the bibs once a week. He buys the bananas and wine gums for the dressing room. He's in earlier than me. He's a good coach but the opportunity he has, I can't stand in his way. Tonight's his last night"

On Graham Stack's first-half saves

"They were good saves and they were important as it kept us in the game in the first-half."