Martin Allen was pleased his Barnet side were able to avoid an FA Cup banana skin against Chelmsford City and is targeting a place in the third round of the competition for his side. 

Goals from John Akinde, David Stephens, Curtis Weston and Luisma Villa helped the Bees complete a 4-1 victory over City in their fourth qualifying round replay at The Hive tonight.

It sets up a first round proper tie against League Two side Wycombe Wanderers in a little over a week and Allen hopes his side can advance through the competition in order to “earn some wedge”.

He said: “The goal and the aim is to get to the third round. No messing about, the bottom line is the third round.

“The prize money to get to the third round is good and if we are able to pull one of the big boys, a big Championship or Premier League side, then you can earn some wedge.

“The third round of the FA Cup has been the aim, the target and the drive since the beginning of the season.”

The Bees had been held to a 0-0 draw when they took on Chelmsford on Saturday but the replay was one-sided.

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Barnet had opened up a three-goal lead after half an hour and Allen was pleased with his side’s start to the game.

He said: “The atmosphere on Saturday meant it was all set up for an upset. They had a big crowd who were very vocal. They made it difficult for us and played very, very well.

“Saturday was a really difficult tie and we know there have been countless banana skins in the FA Cup.

“Thankfully the players tonight really applied themselves and the crowd got right behind the team.

“To get an early lead was crucial. We were then winning quite comfortably and it’s not easy to keep up the same high tempo and pressure.

“Credit to Chelmsford, they came back into the game in the second half and got a goal back, which was disappointing from our point of view.

“The important thing at the end of this match though is we are in the next round of the FA Cup.”

Luke Gambin was brought into the starting XI in the only change to Saturday’s team. The winger impressed playing just behind John Akinde and Allen was impressed with the 21-year-old.

“Gambo has been fantastic,” the Bees boss explained. “He works really hard and deserves a place in the team. However, the team keeps playing well and keeps winning.

“But I had no hesitation about playing him off the striker tonight and getting him on the ball. He came up with some magic.”