Barnet 2 - 0 Northampton Town : Akinde brace sinks Cobblers

Posted Wednesday, August 19, 2015 by PA

John Akinde scored twice as Barnet picked up their first Sky Bet League Two points of the season with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Northampton.

The striker opened the scoring with a 64th-minute penalty after Town defender Jason Taylor saw red for bringing him down when through on goal, before slotting home in the final minute to seal the win and end the visitors' 100 per cent start to the season.

Bees goalkeeper Graham Stack had to be alert early on to turn away Lawson D'Ath's cross-shot from the left and then denied Sam Hoskins' follow-up header on the goal-line.

Akinde had the best opportunity of the goalless opening period but his low 18th-minute shot was blocked by Cobblers keeper Adam Smith.

Winger D'Ath threatened again minutes after the restart and saw his goalbound header nodded off the line by Barnet left-back Elliott Johnson.

Taylor was then dismissed prior to Akinde calmly stroking his spot-kick down the centre of the goal before Northampton keeper Smith prevented the hosts doubling their lead when he twice denied Andy Yiadom from close range.

Akinde secured the points at the death, rounding the onrushing Smith and stroking the ball home from wide on the right.