Professional development phase lead coach Ross Eames believes playing at The Hive was ‘massive’ for Barnet’s Under-18s as they thrashed FC Clacton 11-1 in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday.

The young Bees were given the first-team treatment, playing in front of a paying crowd at The Hive in their FA Youth Cup second qualifying round win over the Eastern Counties Premier Division side.

Delayed due to a crash on the A12, the Seasiders were swatted aside by tge Bees in what Eames labelled a ‘routine win’.

The prolific Matt Stevens rattled in a first-half hat-trick, whilst there was a brace for winger Elliott Harris and further goals from George Berkes, Tamille Roache, Brian Testolin, Alfie Cain, Fumnaya Shomotun and Shane Cojocarel.

Asked about the experience of playing at The Hive, Eames said: “It is a massive factor for their development . They are going to have to play in front of 2,000 or 1,500 fans some weeks and playing in front of a small number, it raises their development as players.

“Sometimes you have got to deal with the crowd being a little bit hostile but tonight it was great for them – to be under the floodlights as well was great for them.”

Clacton’s delayed arrival meant kick-off was not until 8.30pm – 45 minutes later than scheduled – but Eames insisted the uncertainty did not affect the Bees.

He explained: “It was a routine win. The word to the players was: ‘Just get the job done – but enjoy the moment; playing on a surface like that in front of the fans who are here.’ So we are really happy with that.

“We sent the boys back into the lounge to chill out. I did not want them getting cabin fever. They carried on chilling and we carried on with our normal business. The players had to relax and when we saw them arrive, we said: ‘Ok, go and do your jobs’.”