PAUL Hurst expects Barnet's other players to step up and show they can cope without their talisman this afternoon.
As reported, John Akinde will sit out today's clash with Grimsby Town through suspension after picking up a second booking in the Bees' defeat to Wrexham last time out.
And while Hurst admits that his absence is 'an encouragement', he's expecting a concerted response from the players Martin Allen sends out.
"Akinde being out has to be an encouragement – of course it has – because he's one of the first names on their teamsheet that you look for," he said. "He's the leading goalscorer in the league and is a big threat.
"It's very rare that you get a player with the presence he has and the speed he has.
"He was a danger in the game here last month – ultimately we dealt with him well, but every time the ball went up to him, you were holding your breath a bit.
"It's a bonus, but that said, if it is Michael Gash that comes in, it's not like you're putting a 19-year-old kid in there. You're looking at an experienced player who's scored goals at this level.
"When you're one of the other players in the team and you're missing that talisman, you want to prove that you can cope without him and I'm sure that will spur Barnet on today."
