Barnet crash to heavy defeat against Birmingham

Jon Nurse scored Barnet's only goal. Picture credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Tuesday, August 14, 2012
10:06 PM

League Cup first round: Birmingham 5-1 Barnet

Barnet were thrashed 5-1 by Championship side Birmingham City in their League Cup first round tie at St Andrews.

Despite their underdogs tag, League Two Barnet took the game to the hosts and took a shock lead through newly recruited striker Jon Nurse after 31 minutes.

The 31-year-old Barbados international’s goal, fired low into the bottom corner, came shortly after the visitors had had a Ricky Holmes goal chalked off for offside.

But Birmingham’s Marlon King levelled the scores with a penalty after 37 minutes and the teams went into the break 1-1.

Barnet’s brave effort in the first half quickly became a distant memory, however, as the Blues ran riot after the break.

Steven Caldwell, former Crystal Palace man Darren Ambrose, Peter Lovenkrands and Wade Elliot all grabbed goals as Barnet failed to deal with their Championship opponents.

Mark Robson’s side will now turn their attentions to their League Two opener away at Port Vale on Saturday.