Barnet vs Portsmouth - Akinola back for Barnet following suspension

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2017 by PA

New Barnet head coach Kevin Nugent will welcome back striker Simeon Akinola from suspension ahead of their Sky Bet League Two clash against Portsmouth on Saturday.

Akinola had served a three-match ban following his red card at Carlisle at the end of January but should be in contention to start.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Taylor is set to remain sidelined for several weeks as he recovers from a hernia injury. Goalkeeper Jamie Stephens is also unavailable with a calf injury.

Michael Gash (knee) and Shaun Batt (hamstring) are out for the season but James Pearson (knee) could return to action in the next month.

Right-back Gareth Evans is set retain his place in the Portsmouth starting line-up ahead of their trip to the Hive.

Evans was taken off in the 75th minute of their 2-0 victory over Blackpool on Tuesday as he struggled with a shoulder injury but should be fit to start.

Striker Curtis Main (knee) remains the only long-term absentee for the Blues.

Manager Paul Cook has no other fresh injury worries.