"Let's beat Rochdale first" - that was the message from assistant manager Ian Hendon when asked to comment on a second round FA Cup draw that produced an away tie for Barnet against Blue Square Premier side Forest Green Rovers.

The draw earlier today paired Barnet or Rochdale against either Team Bath or Forest Green Rovers - but Forest Green won their Sunday first round tie away from home 1-0.

For Paul Fairclough, who had insisted "anyone at home" when Rochdale came out of the bag last time, the second round tie produced by Lawrie Sanchez and Ray Parlour live on ITV from Soho Square was "an incentive" for the Bees.

Barnet supporters have fond memories of trips to Forest Green Rovers - 'the little club on the hill' who play at the New Lawn ground - from their Conference days, but Hendon added a rider:"They are all tough games with the big clubs just 90 minutes away".

Fairclough added: "If you had wanted an away game then this would not be a bad draw".

A replay at Spotland against League 2 rivals comes first --- with the Bees' recent away form producing a win at Rotherham United and draws at Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City and nine goals.

Dennis Signy