Martin Allen was pleased to see his side return to winning ways in style on Saturday as they defeated Altrincham 5-0 at The Hive to remain on top of the Vanarama Conference.

Having made a number of changes to his team both in terms of personnel and positions, the Barnet manager was full of praise for the versatility of his squad as they put in an accomplished performance that saw them lead 4-0 by half-time, saying:

“All of the players applied themselves very well. We made a few changes to the team and all of the players that came in did very well. We freshened it up.

“We have always said that our whole squad can play, that our whole squad can compete and it was a very, very good performance. It was good for the players and I’m sure very good for all of the supporters as well.

“We work on the training ground and practice so that everybody gets to play everywhere. Elliott played in central midfield last week at Telford and did very well; Curtis told me that he has played as a centre-back before; Mugs played at left-back against Stevenage when we beat them in pre-season here; Nurse was superb for us once again.

“They are all versatile and adaptable. Most importantly they are all hungry and willing to play anywhere for the team.”

Martin also singled out striker John Akinde for special praise, having seen his number nine hit a first-half hat-trick to take his tally for the season to six:

“John Akinde has been unplayable at times. He has led the team from the front. He is totally committed and fantastic in training. It has been great working with him.

“He’s a top player and he deserved those goals. He took his penalties really well and when he plays well he is unplayable. That will do him the power of good to get that hat-trick.

“When you are a centre-forward and working your nuts off to lead the team and not getting the goals, that can be a little bit of a weight on your mind.

“I loved the way that the supporters got behind him. That was good for him and it was lovely to hear the ground rocking on both sides. I was very proud – on and off the field – of everybody.”

The manager was also pleased to see his latest addition to the squad hit the ground running, as Sam Hoskins scored within a minute of coming on for his debut having joined the Bees on a short-term loan deal from Yeovil Town:

“He’s a good centre forward, he’s a good player. It was a good signing, and a good substitution you would have to say!

“All of our players can play. I am very happy with all of them and I have faith in all of them. We could go out and get more players to be honest but I don’t really want to. I have worked with these players and I have promised them that I will stick with them.

“I suppose after losing in the week people would say that I was a bit mad to make all of those changes but I see how hard they work and I see how good they are in training and as a manager I have got to have faith in them. We are a good group with a lot of games in a short space of time, and we practice and train on the training pitch for days like today.”