John Akinde capped an excellent personal season by being crowned Barnet’s triple player of the year at last night’s end of season awards dinner.

The striker, who has 31 goals in all competitions, was inevitably named player of the year, members’ player of the year and players’ player of the year at The Hive following the 5-0 win over Welling United.

In winning the player of the year gong, Akinde ended David Stephens’ recent dominance of the title, the defender having been crowned player of the year for each of the last two seasons.

Despite having a wealth of strikes to his name this season, Akinde missed out on the goal of the season to Luisma Villa.

The Spanish midfielder has scored a number of fine goals this season but his stunning, last-gasp free-kick at home to Alfreton Town was the goal picked from a shortlist on the night.

Defender Elliott Johnson took home the young player of the year trophy, beating off competition from Sam Muggleton, Matt Stevens and Bernard Mensah.

The left-back has been a model of consistency and as the only player on the four-man shortlist to have been a first-team regular. The nominees had to have been 21 or under at the beginning of the season.

Player-coach Jon Nurse came away with the clubman of the year award as voted for by the staff. The 34-year-old is a hugely popular figure behind the scenes and head coach Martin Allen has been quick to praise the for Dagenham & Redbridge man’s impact around The Hive this season.

There was also an emotional presentation of the Lester Finch Trophy, which was awarded posthumously to Gareth ‘Donny Gaz’ Needham, who died in November aged 34.

Member of Gareth’s family and friends collected the award on his behalf.

The Lester Finch Trophy is awarded to someone in recognition of their services or contribution to the club. Unlike the other gongs, the Lester Finch Trophy recipient is chosen by the Barnet FC Supporters’ Association committee