Player of the weekend

Last updated : 14 January 2008 By Paul Smith
This week's NCM player of the weekend is Barnet defender Ismail Yakubu.

The Bees skipper contributed bucket loads in a fine win for Paul Fairclough's men at table toppers MK Dons.

Yakubu scored the game's only goal in a 1-0 win with a neat finish at the back stick having marched forward for a set-piece.

And he followed that up by leading his side to a clean sheet - a rare feat against the divisions top goalscorers.

Yalubu almost qualifies for a testimonial at Underhill having started out there as a precocious 11-year-old.
Yakubu... Good leadership skills


He debuted at 17 while still studying for his A-levels at Sixth Form.

Still only 22, Yakubu has been a regular for the past five seasons as the Bees earned promotion from the Conference.

Dons writer James Chard was one of many impressed by his showing at the weekend.

"He was probably man of the match in this game and not many teams are able to keep a clean sheet against the Dons," he said.

"He organised very well, looked assured and won all of his headers.

"His goal he couldn't really miss to be fair and it was a bit scrappy as he tapped in the cross.

"I think he could play at a higher level however. He has improved a lot because the last time I saw him I always thought he was liable to a mistake but he didn't this time and looks a more rounded player."