Barnet look on course to register another three points in the Conference Premier after they opened up a 2-0 half-time advantage at Gateshead.

The Bees let slip a three-goal advantage against Kidderminster Harriers last weekend, but in a stunning start to the game, they breached the Gateshead defence twice in seven minutes.

The opener was scored by Curtis Weston, who drove the ball into the bottom corner from inside the penalty area, before he turned provider to cross for Luisma Villa to nod home from close range.

John Akinde almost made it three before the quarter-hour mark but his effort was blocked, while Lee Cook went close when he curled a shot wide of the post.

Gateshead were struggling to impose themselves on the game, but Michael Rankine, who had been introduced as a substitute, did register their first shot of the day that was easily saved by Graham Stack.

Villa nearly added his second just before the half-time whistle, but manager Martin Allen will be delighted with his team's first-half showing in the North-East.