Barnet hot-shot John Akinde took his tally for the season to 16 on Saturday, but player-coach Graham Stack says although the Bees rely on the big number nine, he is about more than just goals.

Akinde scored his second hat-trick of the season as Barnet beat bottom of the league Telford United 3-1 to open up an eight-point gap at the Conference summit as results below them went in their favour.

The former Alfreton Town striker is now just four goals shy of his tally of 18 league strikes last term – his previous best return in a season.

“What can I say? He has been absolutely outstanding for us, he really has,” enthused Stack. “He is more than goals. People will look at his goal-scoring record and say he has got 16 goals, but he is far more than that [to his game].

“The way he defends from the front for us, holds the ball up and brings others into play; his all-round play and the effort he puts into games is incredible.”

Stack added: “We rely heavily on John, and he relies on his team-mates to get him the ball and give him service. I am delighted for John – I think everyone is – because he is a cracking lad. It is great when your centre forwards are scoring goals because it gives them a lot of belief and confidence.”

Akinde opened the scoring after a minute with a close-range effort before doubling up from the penalty spot after 18 minutes having drawn a foul from Bucks goalkeeper Freddy Hall. The 6ft 2in hitman then completed his hat-trick late on with a second penalty.

Twelve of those goals have come since captain Charlie MacDonald was injured in victory at Dover Athletic in September and Stack believes it is no coincidence.

The gloveman opined: “He has had to take on more responsibility but he has not had to shoulder that on his own. John has been outstanding and certainly he has been a focal point for us, but the lads who have come in and replaced Charlie (MacDonald) when Charlie has not been fit, they must take a lot of credit as well.

“I think he has become more of a focal point. At times John was up there with maybe Curtis (Weston) playing around him so there was that responsibility on John, and to be fair, Nursey (Jon Nurse) was brilliant when he came in for a few games.”

You can read Graham Stack’s message to the rest of the Bees squad by clicking here.