Barnet 1-0 Stockport County: National League side Barnet avoid upset against Stockport

An early goal from Dan Sparkes was enough to put National League side Barnet through to the third round of the FA Cup after beating Stockport County.

Sparkes met a Cheye Alexander cross from the right to head in from close range after seven minutes.

Dan Sweeney and Byron Harrison both had excellent chances to double their lead against their National League North opponents, who showed spirit in defeat.

But Sparkes' goal was enough for the Bees to avoid an upset and reach the third round for the first time in 10 years.

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Stockport, who travelled with 1,542 supporters to The Hive, certainly challenged Barnet, a division above them in the football pyramid, but struggled to manufacture many clear chances after going behind.

Despite plenty of energy and enterprise from the Hatters, it was hosts Barnet who progressed - and they will hope to match their runs to the fourth round in 2007 and 2008.

They are one of only two non-league sides who have definitely reached the next round, after Woking's shock win against Swindon.