Bees boss Martin Allen looks for Crewe boost

Boss Martin Allen will hope for a much-needed win in his first home game back in charge of Barnet against Crewe.

This is Allen’s fifth spell at the rock-bottom Bees, who are now without a win in four games and seven points from safety.

Goalkeeper Jamie Stephens remains sidelined (knee) so Craig Ross, who featured in the Bees’ 2-0 defeat at leaders Luton, is likely to continue between the posts.

Defender Richard Brindley and forward Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro return from injuries, while Harry Taylor (broken metatarsal), Elliott Johnson and Dave Tarpey (knee) remain long-term absentees.

Crewe manager David Artell has a number of injury concerns for the trip.

Skipper Chris Dagnall and James Jones continue their return to fitness, both featuring in the second half of the 2-1 win at Newport last Saturday.

Striker Shaun Miller and full-backs Jamie Sterry and Zoumana Bakayogo also have niggling injuries.

The Alex are currently 17th in the table, nine points above the relegation zone.