Barnet manager's delight at beating '˜big spenders' Pompey

Martin Allen lauded his players as he celebrated his 500th game as manager with memorable victory over Pompey.
Barnet's John Akinde is congratulated after scoring the decisive goal against Pompey. Picture: Joe PeplerBarnet's John Akinde is congratulated after scoring the decisive goal against Pompey. Picture: Joe Pepler
Barnet's John Akinde is congratulated after scoring the decisive goal against Pompey. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Barnet boss told of his delight at defeating League Two’s ‘big spenders’ with his ‘team of free transfers’.

The Bees knocked the Blues out of their stride at The Hive with their determination and physicality.

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They got their reward for a high-tempo performance – particularly in the first half – through John Akinde’s penalty and a 1-0 win.

Allen was brimming with pride at getting the result against a side he served as a player.

‘We’re playing against one of the big spenders of the division,’ he told BBC London.

‘They are a team with a fantastic following, home and away.

‘But our team of free transfers and humble down-to-earth lads put in a proper team performance.

‘That’s what I’d call a proper team performance.

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‘I would say that was a deserved win with spirit courage and determination.

‘They did our club 
proud to beat a club like Portsmouth.

‘This was special. It was my 500th game as manager so it was a special night.’

Barnet bounced back impressively after a 2-1 defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

They had not conceded in the previous four games before that Dons defeat, which drew some criticism from Allen.

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There was nothing but positives for him after defeating Pompey, however.

Allen admitted his side didn’t create much after Akinde’s first-half penalty but was impressed with the resolve they showed to see out the win.

He said: ‘I’ve looked at the game against Wimbledon and maybe it wasn’t a poor performance in the cold light of day.

‘We had 20 efforts at goal and three great chances.

‘But I want to win those games, so I stand by what I said.

‘I thought we were half a yard short.

‘With the group we’ve got we can’t afford to be that.

‘We have to be at it and on it. We have to be full on – we were full on against Portsmouth.

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‘We got the goal, defended well and didn’t create many chances.

‘They are good team. They have been at the top for most of the season.

‘They had a good run in the FA Cup which has affected their league form.

‘But I thought we played with control and discipline.’

– JORDAN CROSS