BARNET trail by a single goal to Charlton Athletic, but Mark Stimson's men have been more than a match for their illustrious hosts.

With a place in the second round of the FA Cup at stake, the Bees created several good openings before former West Ham youth player Kyel Reid pounced on an error from Joe Devera.

Within the first minute Barnet went close, George Francomb's free-kick well-saved by his near post by Rob Elliot.

Just two minutes later Kevin Gallen, playing alongside Steve Kabba up front, struck the post with a shot from a tight angle.

Charlton did not create anything until Devera dallied with his back to goal on the Barnet left on 19 minutes. Reid picked his pocket and used his pace to scamper unchallenged into the box, cutting inside and burying a shot past Jake Cole that flicked the post.

Mark Marshall was lively on the left flank throughout, and from that wing a ball was fired across goal, which Kabba dummied and centre-back Grant Basey – of all people – forced Elliot into a smart diving save.

Towards the end of the half Alan McCormack's run created a shooting chance for Johnnie Jackson, who brought the best out of Cole with a rasping drive.

Kabba then stung the fingers of Elliot with a fierce strike from range, while Marshall's resultant corner was deflected inches wide of the upright.