Barnet went out of the LDV Vans Competition after a dissapointing performance against League 1 side MK Dons.
The Bees, who rested Giuliano Grazioli, Ian Hendon and Dean Sinclair, were convincingly beaten by their higher league opponents by three goals to nil.
On a cold, foggy night at Underhill, Barnet were to find themselves a goal behind after only nine minutes. The away side won a free kick by the right corner flag and whilst the ball into the box from Nicky Rizzo was accurate, Aaron Wilbraham was left completely unmarked to head home from 6 yards.
Damian Batt, reverting to right back to accommodate Anthony Charles into the side, then saw a fierce effort go over from an acute angle, whilst a neat one-two between Lee Roache and Jason Norville saw the latter shoot wide.
The Dons looked happy to sit back on their lead, often allowing Barnet plenty of possession although Paul Fairclough's side found it hard to retain the ball for any period of time and were soon to find themselves going further behind.
In the 39th minute, a clearance by Nathan Koo-Boothe found Rizzo in acres of space on the Barnet right and he drove into the box before squaring the ball across the six-yard box where Wade Small tapped home into the empty net.
As half time approached, Barnet keeper Scott Tynan tipped over an attempted lob by Small following good work by Gareth Edds in the Dons midfield.
Barnet's fortune did not improve in the second period as their higher league opponents looked content to defend deep and retain their lead.
Anthony Charles saw an effort go over the bar, whilst Ben Bowditch drove wide from 25-yards when well placed.
Barnet then had their best chance to register a goal but Nicky Bailey saw a fine left footed drive tipped over by David Martin, whilst at the other end Tynan made a sharp save to deny Wilbraham scoring his second goal of the night.
However, despite the Barnet keeper's best efforts he could do nothing moments later to deny the Dons from getting their third goal of the night.
A stray pass by Dwane Lee in the centre of Barnet's midfield went straight to Wilbraham. He fed the ball onto substitute Stephen Quinn who crossed for Gary Smith (87) to tap home from 8 yards.
Moments later Jason Norville saw a good chance go begging when he shot straight at Martin but in truth it was not Barnet's night and the better side progress into the next round of the competition.
Jonathan Sugar
