It had been a long wait for last season’s joint top goal scorer in League Two, who picked up an injury in the Bees penultimate pre-season friendly match against Millwall and he was relieved to get back on the pitch.

“It’s been a while so it’s very good to be back out there. When you’re not playing, it’s just about keeping focused and making sure that you get back fully fit as soon as possible.”

Barnet’s 2017/18 campaign got underway whilst Akinde was on the sidelines, but the number 9 is pleased with the start that his teammates have made.

“The boys have started well and they’re playing really good football. We’re moving the ball well in attack and defending well as a team. We’re now creating a lot of chances which is nice to see.”

Summer signing Shaq Coulthirst has scored 7 goals already this season and Akinde is full of praise for the former Peterborough man.

“It’s always pleasing to see someone scoring goals, that’s what he has been brought here to do and so far he has done it well. I’m looking forward to getting the chance to play alongside him this season, but first I’ve got to get myself fully match fit.

John Akinde was on the score sheet the last time we travelled to this weekend’s destination Brunton Park and when asked about the challenges the overnight stay provided, he was pretty clear.

“In a nutshell, you’ve just got to deal with it. You get yourselves up there and prepare for the game. You’ve got to prepare right, which we have done.

“You need to take each game as it comes and the conditions that it brings.”

If you would like to sponsor John Akinde for the 2017/18 season, click here or call John Meir on 020 8381 3800 (Ext 1030).