Barnet up to third after win over Braintree

Barnet maintained their 100 per cent home record this season and climbed up to third in the National League table with a 3-1 win against Braintree.

John Akinde gave Braintree a flying start by scoring against his former club inside the opening minute, but the Bees hit back through Mark Shelton, Callum Stead and visiting skipper George Langston’s late own goal.

Akinde used his pace out wide on the right before arrowing the opening goal into the bottom corner before Shelton’s equaliser from inside the box (four) and Stead’s (16) header gave the Bees an interval lead.

Stead went close to adding a third goal when his effort hit a post, while Braintree’s Inih Effiong’s goalbound shot was blocked.

Braintree’s appeals for a second-half penalty were turned down after Callum Powell was bundled over in the box and Barnet completed the scoring in the closing stages when Langston turned Zak Brunt’s cross into his own net with seven to go.