Barnet have overtaken Halifax Town at the top of the Conference Premier table after they comfortably saw off Southport by a 2-0 scoreline this afternoon.

The London-based outfit began the day three points adrift of the Shaymen, but after they lost 2-1 to Bristol Rovers, Barnet took advantage to lead on goal difference.

The visitors have been in superb form this season and that continued in the opening exchanges at Haig Avenue as Charlie MacDonald and John Akinde provided a constant threat for the visitors.

It took the Bees 25 minutes to take the lead, and when it came it was a fine goal from Lee Cook, who chipped Southport goalkeeper Daniel Lloyd-Weston.

The second arrived six minutes before half time through Akinde, who took possession on the edge of the penalty area before curling the ball into the corner.

Southport began the second half in better fashion as they struck the post directly from a corner, before Barnet defender Elliott Johnson was forced into action to cut out a threatening pass from Paul Rutherford.

Despite the home side's improvement, Barnet continued to look a threat on the break and they came within inches of making it three through Cook, but his strike went wide of the post.

John Marsden glanced a header wide for Southport 11 minutes from time, but Barnet easily held on to top the standings at the end of Saturday's action.