DOUBLE TROUBLE FOR BEES

CRAIG FARRELL came in from the cold -- and gave Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson two reasons why he can provide the answer to his lack of firepower.

Farrell struck twice to set up an emphatic victory which booked United's place in the fifth round of the FA Trophy at the expense of Nationwide Conference rivals Barnet.

The 22-year-old striker has endured a frustrating season in which he has either been overlooked or injured, but he turned on the style yesterday and proved there is a ray of hope following last week's departure of fans' favourite Andy Preece to WorcesterCity.

Simpson is still scouring the transfer market to bolster his strike-force but, after Farrell's performance yesterday, he could have found a ready-made replacement for Preece within his own ranks.

Magno Vieira also hit two goals to leave Barnet reeling by an electric start by United who raced to a 3-0 lead after just 16 minutes.

Vieira has in recent weeks looked like a shadow of the player who made a huge impact when he arrived on loan at the start of the season, but the young Brazilian rediscovered his form to help inspire the United victory.

The game might have been played 70 miles away at Morecambe while BruntonPark recovers from the flood damage.

But Christie Park proved home sweet home for the 1,000-plus travelling fans after United's new-look strike-force gave them something to cheer about after only eight minutes.

Vieira slipped his marker and raced away down the left, before dispatching the perfect cross into the path of Farrell who slid in to fire past Barnet keeper Shane Gore.

United's dream start left the visitors stunned and, although the Barnet defence looked flimsy at times, there was still something about the pace, precision and quality of the Carlisle attack.

Within two minutes, Vieira's speed and skill had Barnet back-pedalling again - this time down the right flank. But Farrell found himself surrounded by defenders and the ball was whipped off his toes for a corner.

There was still no let up for Barnet as Farrell made it 2-0 in the 13th minute. Vieira was again the architect for the former Leeds United striker to bury the ball into the back of the net.

It then threatened to be an embarrassment for Barnet as the Conference leaders again alarmingly caved in as United made it 3-0 in the 16th minute.

Damian Batt fouled Vieira in full flight to concede a free kick deep in the Barnet half and, from Chris Lumsden's free kick, Farrell crossed for impressive new-boy David Beharall to try a shot.

Gore managed to block the ball but Vieira slotted home the loose ball to effectively end the match as a contest.

The Barnet defence was again in disarray as United continued to bombard the Londoners' goal with Vieira again their tormentor-in-chief, but Gore rescued his side when he did well to block the striker's close-range shot.

Barnet managed to regain their composure and pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute when substitute Richard Graham crossed for Nicky Bailey to head home to make it 3-1.

Shortly before half-time, United put the result virtually beyond doubt when Vieira hit their fourth goal and provided one of the game's main talking points.

Beharall's header from Marc Tierney's inswinging corner was scrambled clear by the Barnet defence, but it fell into the path of Vieira, who tried an effort from close range.

In the goal-mouth melee, Vieira raised an arm in celebration and referee Richard Hewitt signalled for a goal, despite furious appeals from Barnet that the ball had not crossed the line.

Even some of United's players had doubts whether it was a goal, fuelling fresh debate over the possible introduction of video technology for disputed decisions.

The second half was no match for the thrilling opening 45 minutes, but Barnet showed signs of improvement in the second half as they battled to salvage some pride.

Matty Glennon was rarely troubled during the game, but the United keeper showed his confidence in handling deep crosses as he comfortably dealt with a number of good balls into the area by Barnet.

At the other end, Gore had to be alert to deny Farrell who clearly hadn't given up his hopes of capping his memorable display with a hat-trick.

In the 75th minute, Lumsden's long pass saw Farrell racing clear in search of his third goal, but Gore raced out of his area to boot the ball clear.

A minute later, Farrell did get his reward for an impressive display - a standing ovation from the crowd as he departed from the pitch.

Matchfacts: Carlisle United: Glennon, Arnison, Murphy, Andrews, Farrell (Henderson, 76), Roca (Cowan, 65), Beharall, Lumsden, Livesey, Tierney (McGill, 80), Vieira, subs (not used): Westwood and Kirkup.

Barnet: Gore, Bailey, Charles, Lopez, Stevens, Champion, Clist, Lee, Sinclair, McBean (Hatch, 72), Batt (Graham, 23), subs (not used): King, Millard and Elmes.

Referee: Richard Hewitt

Crowd: 1,575

Star Man: Craig Farrell - Shook off the ring rust to press his claims for a regular place in the side following the departure of Andy Preece.

The former Leeds United striker hit two goals and showed his injury problems are behind him with a lively, energetic display alongside Magno Vieira.

thanks to churchlangbee