Barnet progressed to the 2nd Round of the Emirates FA Cup, after a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Blackpool at The Hive.

Midfielder Tom Champion scrambled in a corner to open the scoring with 35 minutes on the clock.

The Bees then scored a second soon after, when a Luke Gambin’s pinpoint cross was headed home by Michael Gash.

It was Gambin who had the first effort of the match for Barnet, when his run and shot flew straight at the keeper seconds after kick-off.

With five minutes gone Curtis Weston’s drive from the edge of the area was then deflected wide for a corner.

Sam Muggleton’s curling shot from the right almost put the Bees ahead after ten minutes, but crept inches wide of the far post. 

It wasn’t until the 23rd minute that Kwame Thomas had Blackpool’s first chance, shooting narrowly wide from the left side of the box.

On 35 minutes Barnet took the lead through Champion; the midfielder bundling a left sided corner over the line.

Five minutes later the Bees doubled their advantage when Gash headed a Gambin cross past substitute keeper Kyle Letheren.

Barnet controlled the first half and continued to do so after the break.

However the first clear chance of the second period wasn’t until 58 minutes – Andy Yiadom’s effort from distance was comfortably saved by the Blackpool keeper.

After 71 minutes John Akinde had a good opportunity to add to the Bees’ goal tally; chipping the ball over the bar when one-on-one with Letheren.

Stephens was finally called into action with four minutes left to play – the keeper had to be at his best to stop Mark Cullen’s shot from crossing the line.

Martin Allen’s side can look forward to Monday night’s draw after an impressive performance against League One opposition. 

It’s a return to league action for Barnet next weekend, as the Bees travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town.