Barnet head coach Martin Allen believes being at home with the flu this week has enabled him to take a step back and better prepare for the final 11 games of the season, starting with Saturday’s trip to Altrincham.

The Bees were knocked off top spot by Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night thanks to the Gas’ 2-1 win over ten-man Braintree Town.

However, the Conference newcomers have played a game more than Barnet and two games more than Macclesfield Town, who lie in third and trail Rovers by six points.

With the boss unwell at home it has fallen to player-coaches Graham Stack and Jon Nurse to take training this week but Allen says the enforced break has been beneficial too.

Speaking to the club website, Allen proffered: “It has been a bit different for me as I’ve been off with flu so Stacky and Nursey have taken the training with the players.

“It has given me a chance to have a good think about things and reflect on how we have been doing during the season so far overall, and where we are right now with the difficult month that we have had.

“Having the flu and being crashed out on the sofa has given me a good chance to think about things and look at things and perhaps it is now time to just freshen things up a little bit just to help us all move forward.”

One change which is almost certain will be the return of top-scorer John Akinde. The 26-goal hitman missed Saturday’s home defeat by Grimsby Town after picking up two yellow cards in the loss at Wrexham a fortnight ago.

Michael Gash deputised for the former Bristol City powerhouse but Akinde should return to the fold for the trip to Moss Lane.

Striker Nurse had been expected to return to training this week whilst David Stephens (calf) and Sam Togwell (knee) were both withdrawn against the Mariners due to injury.

Jack Saville and loanee Conor Clifford would be the most likely deputies should either miss the trip to Greater Manchester.