Sam Hoskins described the atmosphere in the Barnet changing room as ‘brilliant’ after the Bees’ win over Eastleigh on Saturday, but says attentions must turn to extending their lead at the top.

The 21-year-old second goal for the club proved decisive in Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Spitfires, and with sides below them slipping up, Barnet moved five points ahead of second-place Halifax Town.

Five points is the largest lead over second place the Bees have been able to enjoy this season and asked how the atmosphere in the dressing room was, Hoskins replied: “Yes, it is brilliant.

“The gaffer told us straight away that the other teams around us had lost, so we were really pleased that we had gone five points clear. Now hopefully we can push on and widen that gap.”

Reflecting on his match-winning strike, he said: “I know my goal took a bit of a deflection but I will still claim that. I thought the lads did really well. We battled until the end and we definitely deserved the win – so a good feeling.”

The former Southampton forward hit the post inside the opening minute, but was duly rewarded for his endeavours eight minutes before half time with his second goal in as many home games.

“I was a bit surprised myself, to find myself in that position early on,” Hoskins admitted. “I hit it well but unfortunately I hit the post and it came back out but I am glad to have got my goal in the end and even better that it was a winning one.

“It is obviously good for my personal development. Those are things I need: games and goals, so it is going well at the moment, so hopefully I can carry it on.”

After a dramatic finish at Forest Green Rovers the previous Saturday, in which the Bees conceded a late equaliser before winning the contest in injury time, Hoskins was pleased to be able to see out victory over the Hampshire side.

He said: “We thought that the teams that were around us would be winning today but we were not to know they were losing, so I think we did really well to stick it out. They had a goal disallowed late on, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but we did really well as a team to see it out.”

The Dorchester-born frontman was also enthusiastic about his partnership with John Akinde, with the pair starting three consecutive games in Charlie MacDonald’s continued absence.

Hoskins stated: “It is good; I like playing off a big man. He can battle and I try and pick up the pieces and that is how the goal came about today.

“It seems to be working well for us and he is getting goals as well, so hopefully we can make it a good partnership.”