Charlie Larkin’s second half double ensured Barnet returned to winning ways courtesy of 2-1 win over Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League Two at the Hive on Saturday afternoon.
Despite trailing through Charlie Caton’s effort, the victory was to be Barnet’s with all three points ensuring Dean Brennan’s side returned to the summit of the league table come the full time whistle.
The game burst into life on two minutes when the influential Lakin was seemingly brought down in the box by Stanley’s Woods, but the referee quickly waved play on much to the Barnet faithfuls frustration.
Both sides looked to grow into the game, but it would be the visitors who drew the first effort on goal on 13 minutes.
39-year-old Shaun Whalley doing well down the left, ultimately denied by Matthew Cox in the Barnet goal.
Idris Kanu and Tom Knowles would threaten for Barnet, before Lakin fired over from close-range following some good work from the 27-year-old.
However, on 28 minutes it would be Stanley who took the lead – Caton beating the offside trap before lobbing Cox for the opener.
Brennan’s side would look for a quick response, Lakin again involved – this time fizzing a dangerous ball across the box which frustratingly elude everyone and sailed out of play.
Oisin Gallagher would later be denied by Louie Moulden with his left footed effort on 35 minutes, with the Accrington Stanley keeper doing well to palm it past the post.
This would mean Barnet would be behind at the break.
At the interval, Dean Brennan would introduce Damola Ajayi for his Barnet debut, with the Spurs loanee winger looking to make an instant impact at the Hive.
And the Increasingly busy Ajayi would play his role in drawing the Bees level.
The 20-year-old picking out Adam Senior with a smart through ball who was able to cut in before finding Lakin who smashed the ball home on 57 minutes.
And the momentum was certainly with the Bees with Kanu and Knowles again combining with Moulden once again doing well.
But, what would prove to be the winning goal would arrive on 72 minutes.
Lakin pouncing on some hesitant Accrington defending which saw the ball hitting the post before the lively Lakin bundled the ball home for his second of the game and his fifth of the campaign.
Devon Matthews would receive his marching orders just two minutes later, with his late lunge enough to warrant a second booking and send his side down to ten.
Both sides would push for more goals, but Barnet stood firm seeing the game out, ultimately disappointed not to further extend their lead.
This victory would continue the Bees’ fantastic 15 game unbeaten record, whilst clinching Barnets first win since our win over Shrewsbury Town in August.
Dean Brennan’s side now sit top of the league.
Barnet XI: Cox, Collinge, Senior, Williams, Knowles (Critchlow 64”), Lakin, Ofoborh (Ajayi 45’), Kanu (Maskell 88’), Conley, Tshimanga (Noel-Williams 88’), Gallagher (Reeves 64’)
Subs: Haraalambous, Wright
Crowd 1900, away 78
