A hat-trick from John Akinde has helped Barnet to a 5-0 victory against Altrincham in the Conference Premier.

The Bees netted five times inside the opening 49 minutes to comfortably ensure that they remain at the top of the league table.

It took Barnet just 13 minutes to open the scoring against their opponents, who had won promotion from the Conference North last season. Luisma Villa was provided with the ball on the edge of the penalty area before drilling a half-volley into the corner of the net.

It was one-way traffic at The Hive Stadium and Akinde netted his first of the afternoon on the half-hour mark when he sent a penalty into the net after he had been upended by goalkeeper Dave Parton.

Altrincham looked as though they had kept the score down to 2-0 at the break, but the Bees, and Akinde, put the result beyond doubt with two goals in added-on time at the end of the first half.

After the 25-year-old had scored his second penalty of the afternoon, he quickly completed his treble when he fired the ball into the roof of the net after being found by Jon Nurse.

Akinde was replaced shortly after the restart and his replacement Sam Hoskins, who has joined the club from Yeovil Town, wasted no time in introducing himself to the home supporters with a goal within 60 seconds of his arrival by netting from 12 yards.

There was no let up from Barnet, who weren't allowing Altrincham a chance to get out of their own half, and it was almost six when Villa's free kick struck the post.

Barnet continued to control the action against their despondent opponents, but Adam Mekki and Luke Gambin couldn't add the finishing touches inside the penalty area to further improve the scoreline in their favour.

With eight minutes remaining, Hoskins was provided with an opening to add to his tally but his weak shot was saved before Barnet eased through the closing stages to complete a comfortable afternoon's work.