Martin Allen described John Akinde’s 91st minute winner against Welling United as magical and praised his “relentless” Barnet side after their 2-1 victory.

Akinde had fired the Bees into a first half lead but the visitors were pegged back just before half time when Joe Healy scrambled the ball over the line from close range.

The second period was well contested. Both sides had chances but it appeared the game would end level.

However, in added time, the ball broke to Akinde and he managed to slide his shot under goalkeeper Benji Buchel and into the net.

Speaking after the game, Allen said: “It was a very tough afternoon. Welling hadn’t lost a game at home all season and have played a lot of the top teams.

“He has a good side here, Jamie Day. They are a resilient side and are hard to play against. It’s not an easy place to come.

“We didn’t play brilliantly. We had more of the play but didn’t create too many chances. It was good to have Charlie MacDonald back from injury as well and he played his part.

“You could see the joy and the happiness from our players, staff and supporters after that goal though. Those fans were singing over on the far side, it was magical. Truly magical.”

The result gives Barnet a nine-point lead at the top of the Conference table and Allen’s is delighted with his side’s attitude.

He said: “They are relentless. It wasn’t pretty football today but they just keep on going. We had a strong pre-season and the players worked very hard.

“They have all looked after their bodies professionally and we haven’t had many injuries. That is a credit to the players the staff and the training we have put in.”

Akinde’s brace means he has struck 11 times in the Conference this season. Allen described the 25-year-old as a top striker but says there is more to come.

The Bees boss said: “He is a good player and it was a great finish. Those chances that come along in injury time sees the place stand still. You just hope he can hit the back of the net.

“God bless him, he buried it. John works really hard and I give him a tough time about his concentration and his standards.

“At times he is unplayable but I have to keep pushing him. He is without a shadow of a doubt a top striker but we need to have the consistency for 90 minutes week in, week out.”