LOWER LEAGUE STAR: Cool Akinde at the double for Barnet

John Akinde was the star of the show for Barnet on Boxing Day, scoring two goals to help his side secure a home victory against Newport County.

After going 11 games without scoring between late August and October, the big striker has now scored three in his last five outings for the Bees.

Akinde's 54th-minute opener, perhaps the coolest penalty taken in League Two this season, gave Barnet the lead before the 26 year-old took advantage of a defensive mistake to slot home a minute from full-time to move the North London club up to 17th on the tier three table.

The former Portsmouth man was the National League's top scorer last term with 31 goals, and his double on Saturday has taken his tall to 10 for the current season.

Martin Allen will be desperate to keep the front man, with his strength, hold-up play, and ice-cool finishing pivotal in delivering a prosperous, and successful campaign in the new year.

Their will be no shortage of offers for the number 9 in January and if Akinde continues to find the net at the Hive Stadium, Barnet could be prompted to cash in, but the fact they are just nine points out of the playoff spots is unlikely to force a sale.

53 - GOOOOAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Akinde rolls the penalty into the bottom right corner! 1-0 Barnet!
— Barnet FC (@BarnetFC) December 26, 2015

88 - GOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!!! John Akinde scores the Bees second of the match! 2-0 Barnet!
— Barnet FC (@BarnetFC) December 26, 2015

89 - John Akinde raced onto a ball over the top and slotted home, after a mix up between Day and Donacien in the Newport defence.
— Barnet FC (@BarnetFC) December 26, 2015

Check out the highlight below with Akinde's goals coming at 1:10 and 1:54 -

By Joe Baker