Two goals from John Akinde helped Barnet to a convincing 3-0 win over London rivals Leyton Orient.

The forward opened the scoring with a first half header, before Jamie Stephens saved a Lloyd James penalty in the 48th minute. 

Sam Togwell responded with his first of the season two minutes later, before Akinde headed home his 16th league goal with just over half an hour to play.

Barnet’s first chance of the game fell to Curtis Weston – the midfielder headed Elliott Johnson’s left sided cross over the bar in the eighth minute. 

Weston then drilled a shot wide of the right post two minutes later, as the Bees looked bright during the early stages of the match.

They got their reward midway through the first half when Akinde put Barnet ahead. 

The Bees top scorer headed James Pearson’s pinpoint cross past Alex Cisak and into the net in the 26th minute.

Orient’s first clear effort came on the half hour mark – Stephens palmed away Nigel Atangana’s powerful drive from the right side of the box. 

The Frenchman tested Stephens again in the 37th minute, but Barnet’s custodian was again equal to his low effort.

The second half began at a frenetic pace, with the Bees conceding a penalty immediately after the restart. 

Andy Yiadom brought down Jerome Binnom-Williams inside the area, but Stephens got down to save Lloyd James’ spot kick.

Barnet then went straight down the other end and doubled their lead – Togwell’s deflected shot crept past Cisak and into the net.

Martin Allen’s side extended their advantage in the 58th minute when Akinde connected with a long ball to head over the O’s keeper for his second of the game. 

Orient attempted to find their way back into the match, and substitute Armand Gnanduillet fired two shots narrowly wide of the right post in the final ten minutes.

The Bees were largely untroubled though, and held on to a well-deserved win against the play-off chasing O’s.

Next up for Barnet is a trip to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.