Accrington Stanley 1-0 Barnet: Ethan Hamilton goal puts home side into FA Cup third round
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FA Cup Highlights: Accrington Stanley 1-0 Barnet
Ethan Hamilton scored a late winner to send Accrington Stanley through to the third round of the FA Cup with a narrow win over National League side Barnet.
For much of the tie, it looked like Barnet would force a replay at the Crown Ground, but Hamilton struck with six minutes remaining.
Rosaire Longelo's cross was not dealt with by Barnet goalkeeper Laurie Walker and it fell for Hamilton to turn in his fourth goal of the season.
The goal sent Accrington, 19th in League One, through to the third round for only the fifth time in their history.
The hosts almost took a very early lead as Korede Adedoyin struck a post in just the second minute before Longelo forced a save from Walker from inside the area.
Barnet, sixth in the fifth tier, were hoping to build on some strong form with four successive wins in all competitions.
But the closest they came was through striker Nicke Kabamba, who headed wide from a good position in the first half.
Accrington's best opportunity in the first half fell to Shaun Whalley, but his shot that was well blocked and he fired another half-chance over the bar.
They needed a replay to get past Barnet in the previous FA Cup meeting of the sides, also in the second round in 2009, but this time reached the third round draw at the first attempt.
Accrington manager John Coleman told BBC Radio Lancashire:
"It was a tough game, Barnet had a lot of the game, particularly in the first half and made it difficult for us.
"We hit the post early but didn't really get going in the first half and everything we knew about Barnet, we seemed to help them on their way.
"We had the wind second half and it was always going to be a scrappy goal that settled a scrappy game."
Barnet boss Dean Brennan told BBC Radio London:
"You're thinking when you get to the 80th minute, can we get them back to The Hive?
"There was break in play and then our lads are adamant there was a handball.
"Overall, that bit of luck you need in the cup just didn't go our way."