Martin Allen reverted to the line up that won at Nuneaton last Saturday by restoring Elliott Johnson, Mauro Vilhete and Monday’s hat trick hero, Lee Cook. Keanu Marsh-Brown was not named amongst the substitutes amid speculation that there had been offers from other clubs for him.
Charlie MacDonald almost put the Bees ahead in the opening minutes and Lee Cook mssed with an attempt soon after. Barnet were dominating the game and went ahead after 25 minutes through Lee COOK (again!!!) who placed a superb chip over the Southport keeper, Lloyd-Weston and inside the post from a difficult angle.
On 39 minutes, the Bees went 2-0 up with a goal from John AKINDE who, being played through nicely by Elliott Johnson, picked up the ball on the edge of the penalty area and curled his shot just inside the right hand post.
HT: Southport 0 Barnet 2
On 54 minutes Graham Stack was booked for catching Richard Brodie after running out of the penalty area to make a clearance and perhaps was lucky not to have been shown a red card. However, Barnet held on fairly comfortably to win their fifth match out of six – and keep their 100% away record- and with Halifax losing at Bristol Rovers, Barnet go top of the Conference!! Next up is the visit of bottom of the table, Alfreton Town to the Hive next Saturday.
FT: Southport 0 Barnet 2
Barnet: Stack; Yiadom, N’Gala, Stephens, Johnson; Vilhete (Muggleton 63), Weston, Togwell, Cook (Gambin 83), Akinde, MacDonald (Saville 69).
Subs not used: Luisma, Nurse.
Att: 909