Martin Allen admits he is shocked to find his Barnet side sitting eight points clear atop the Conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Welling United.

Victory over Braintree Town on October 21 was enough to put the Bees eight points clear of second-placed Halifax Town after easing to a comfortable win in the division's only fixture.

With the FA Cup fourth qualifying round played between then and Saturday’s visit to Park View Road, the Bees still boast a healthy lead at the summit of the Conference.

Speaking to the club’s website, Allen said: “We are going into November on Saturday in a good position in the league.

“Anybody being offered this position going in November would have taken if of course, everybody would have welcomed it. It has shocked and surprised everybody, myself included.”

He continued: “The players have been absolutely amazing and I am really looking forward to going back to Welling. It has been a long time since I’ve been there and I think there is going to be quite a big following of Barnet supporters going.

“I think the momentum is picking up now with the supporters as well. They are starting to believe that things are starting to happen and I think there are some exciting times ahead.”

Allen could hand a debut to new loan signing David Hunt, after the Oxford United defender completed a temporary switch to The Hive on Friday.

Striker Charlie MacDonald returned to training on Thursday, but the 33-year-old will not be ready to make his return against the Wings on Saturday.

Speaking after Tuesday’s FA Cup replay victory over Chelmsford City, Allen revealed: “Saturday will be too early for him though. He will be with us again on Thursday but there is no rush to get him back.

“We’ve missed him for the six weeks he has been out. He’s not only been our captain but he has been a catalyst figure on the training pitch. It will be good to have him back.”

Keanu Marsh-Brown, who has been troubled by a recurring thigh problem, on Thursday to confirm he had returned to first-team training.

He said: @KMarshBrown: “Glad to be back on the pitch training after a long time out back and ready.”

You can read our profile of opponents Welling United by clicking here.