Martin Allen hailed Barnet's grit and determination after they saw off a stubborn Nuneaton side to return to the top of the Conference table.

John Akinde's goal with just over 20 minutes remaining was the difference between the two sides in a game that lacked attacking flair for the most part.

But Allen and the Bees know that it is only the result that matters in a tight race with Bristol Rovers and Grimsby.

He said: “We didn't play as well as we can going forward. Defensively a lot of people did a good job. These are the hardest games of the season to get to the finish line.”

“There's no expectations here at Barnet as nobody expected us to be at the top of the table. We're enjoying every day and every game. We have to nudge each other to say we're still top.

“It was consistently average in the first half. We didn't get going. Nuneaton are on a good run at the moment. It took a lot of guts and character to win that game. It wasn't like watching Barcelona.

“The name of the game is to win. We played well at Alfreton and never won. The crowd were fantastic today.”

While it was not a classic, it had been described as a performance of champions, although Allen refused to play down those tones.

He added: “It's always good to have a player like Akinde to score a goal like that. He had a hard week. He gave away a penalty in extra time. He was more disappointed than anyone. I wouldn't say it's the sign of champions but the sign of a good team.”

Charlie MacDonald played 60 minutes before going off with a thigh knock but should be available to face Dartford on Monday.

Allen explained: “He was always going to be playing 60 minutes so I knew Gash was going to be coming on at that point.

“I don't think his knee is 100 per cent right but he boosts our dressing room. He had a knock to his upper leg but he's fine.”

BEES: Stack, Yiadom, N'Gala, Weston, Johnson, Stephens, Vilhete (Gambin 62), Togwell, Villa, Akinde (Saville 90), MacDonald (Gash 57).

Subs (not used): Muggleton, Clifford.