Josh Walker’s brace helped Barnet edge through to the second round of the FA Trophy at the expense of National League South outfit Weymouth.

Walker struck twice inside the first 12 minutes to get the Bees off to a flying start, but Jake McCarthy’s stunner provided a quick response for the visitors, although they were unable to find another way past the hosts.

Darren Currie named an unchanged side from the one that beat AFC Fylde in the National League last weekend, signalling the seriousness of this competition to the Barnet boss.

Walker got the home side off to the perfect start after seven minutes, latching onto Jack Taylor’s lofted through ball and poking past the on-rushing Callum Ward.

Five minutes later, the same pair combined again for the second in a near-identical goal to the first, although this time Walker was forced to finish from a tighter angle.

Against the run of play, Weymouth, who sit fourth in the division below Barnet, struck back on 20 minutes as McCarthy sent an effort flying into the top corner, well beyond the reach of goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Both sides had chances to add to their respective tallies before the half’s end. Simeon Akinola had the best for the hosts, but he fired just wide of the post on the spin.

Loach was called into action with 20 minutes remaining as Brett Williams forced him into his first real save of the game, clawing out an effort that looked destined to nestle in the far corner.

Barnet looked to put the game beyond Weymouth late on, but Wes Fonguck crashed off the bar when he saw sent through on goal.

The game ended on a sour note for Barnet as Dan Sparkes was sent off for his second bookable offence, but Currie’s side managed to see out the remainder with little trouble and go into round two.

Barnet will find out their opponents for the next round later today, while their next league match sees them travel to Maidenhead United this Saturday.