Barnet’s 3-0 hammering of Maidenhead United on Saturday had manager Dean Brennan ecstatic as the Bees returned to the top of the National League table.

A scrappy opener from talisman Callum Stead set the North London side on their way before Mark Shelton and Idris Kanu capped off a brilliant performance in front of the home fans.

“I thought we were totally dominant, and our level of performance was extremely high,” said Brennan.

“The main thing for us is about standards. If we keep our defensive standards - I think that’s three clean sheets on the bounce - we did that today, and we created some amazing chances.

“I’d like us to take more (of those chances). But the main thing for the players is their attitude with the work and their attitude to give their all and never give in.”

Kanu’s second goal of the season came at a key time for the forward, having been close to leaving the club over the last few weeks.

A blossoming relationship with Zak Brunt on the pitch seems to have breathed new life into Kanu, with Brennan added: “It’s great for Idris - he’s been due a goal for a while. I put my arm around him about three weeks ago and had a conversation with him, as there were several clubs in for him.

“I said to him ‘you take us as far as where we want to go.’ That was the conversation we had and we sat and looked each other in the eye. He’s back in the team now, and showing the capabilities he’s got.”

And Brennan was keen to point out the impressive Brunt for his contribution.

“I’m so proud of him as he had so many chances. He created two of the goals, and that’s the biggest thing for me. Once he keeps creating, he keeps getting those chances and keeps getting in the right areas. He’ll score and create more goals.”

Despite the Bees sitting top of the table and boasting the best goal difference in the division, the Barnet boss didn’t want to be drawn on sentiment.

“It’s great for our support to be top of the division. Our main focus now goes straight onto Hartlepool. I’ve got to be professional and move on to the next game,” Brennan added.

“We’ve got 18 cup finals to go. I said this when we had 21 games left, and we’ve managed seven points out of those first three games.”

Barnet extended their lead at the top to four points with a 2-0 win over Hartlepool United at the Hive on Tuesday.

Mark Shelton hit a post and Brunt saw a shot pushed onto the crossbar in the first half.

But Ryan Glover opened the scoring on 51 minutes and Lee Ndlovu sealed victory just past the hour mark.

Bees will look to maintain their promotion push when they head to 1th-placed Tamworth on Saturday.