A hat-trick from John Akinde has helped put Barnet in full control against Altrincham at The Hive Stadium.

Akinde wasted an early chance for the home side when blazing over from an inviting position, before the visitors responded through James Lawrie who had a shot deflected off target.

However, the Bees took the lead after 13 minutes when Luisma Villa was provided with the ball on the edge of the area before driving a half-volley into the bottom corner.

Villa was proving to be a constant threat in the Altrincham final third and four minutes after his goal, he nearly netted a second after neat build-up play from Akinde but the Spaniard wasn't able to provide the finishing touches.

Barnet doubled their advantage from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark. After goalkeeper Dave Parton had brought down Akinde, the striker got to his feet to net his fourth goal of the season.

The Bees put the game out of sight in added-on time when Akinde scored a second spot kick after Adam Mekki had been fouled inside the box, but the first-half action hadn't concluded just yet.

Jon Nurse showed great awareness to pick out Akinde, who was ruthless in providing the finish into the roof of the net to give his side a commanding 4-0 lead.