Barnet extend Conference lead

Barnet have extended their lead at the top of the Conference Premier table to eight points with a 3-0 victory over Braintree Town.

The Bees quickly set about building on their important victory at Gateshead at the weekend and they could have taken the lead on nine minutes through John Akinde, but the striker's shot was well kept out at the near post.

Moments later, Curtis Weston had a goalbound effort blocked, but the home side did move ahead on 26 minutes when Luisma Villa curled the ball into the bottom corner.

Braintree were reduced to 10 men three minutes later when Sean Marks was dismissed for what was deemed as a stray elbow, and Barnet capitalised on their advantage with Villa replicating his earlier effort to give the Londoners a commanding lead at the break.

Luke Gambin was introduced as a replacement for Lee Cook at the break, and he wasted little time in getting on the scoresheet when firing home from 12 yards with Adam Mekki providing the assist.

Villa had a chance for his hat-trick with 20 minutes remaining but after finding himself in a good position, he could only scuff the ball towards goalkeeper Nick Hamann.

Akinde almost added a fourth for Martin Allen's side in the closing moments but after his header went over, Barnet saw out the match to continue their impressive form at the top of the standings.