Lawrie Sanchez showed he has not lost his giantkilling touch as Barnet sank Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park in the Carling Cup first round.
Sanchez, who headed Wimbledon’s FA Cup final winner against Liverpool in 1988 and managed Wycombe to the semi-finals in 2001, grabbed another scalp with a deserved win at Fratton Park.
Mark Hughes hit the only goal in the first half for a Barnet side who were very nearly not even in the Carling Cup this term, having only avoided relegation from League Two on the last day of last season.
So Pompey, whose tiny squad meant they could only name two outfield substitutes, tumbled out at the first-round stage for the first time in 10 years.
Yet Steve Cotterill’s side had the better of the early chances with Luke Varney firing too high, Dave Kitson heading over and Bees keeper Dean Brill saving from Hayden Mullins.
But the hosts were stunned in the 29th minute. Pompey failed to deal with a corner and former Northern Ireland midfielder Hughes rose highest to head Barnet into the lead.
It almost got worse for Pompey with Jason Price having a goal ruled out for offside and debutant goalkeeper Stephen Henderson denying Izale McLeod.
The home defence then failed to deal with another corner, this time from Mark Byrne, and Mark Marshall put his close-range shot over the top.
Young Pompey defender Joel Ward almost dragged them level before the break but his 15-yard volley fizzed just wide.
In the second half Aaron Mokoena fired over the crossbar while Brill saved headers from Kitson and Greg Halford.
Barnet could have killed Pompey off when Marshall burst through but his touch was poor and Henderson was able to smother the ball.
But they held off some late pressure as Sanchez celebrated another famous win.
Free Entry for all Juniors at Barnet FC this season
You got to take advantage I just anticipate a big season for the Bee’s
Become a Bees member and benefit from the exclusive deals on offer. Its £20 per person per year, Juniors up to 14 years old can watch all the Barnet home games free.
£8 off concession prices and £2 off adult prices.
So if you are in the Barnet locality go and support the Bee’s . What a brilliant deal.
The First home game is this Saturday August 13th v Port Vale at 3pm
Call 020 8449 6325 or visit www.barnetfc.com Quote Ref: UBEES1 when enquiring.
