Albion 4, Barnet 0 Albion cruised into the Carling Cup second round thanks to a superb first half performance against League Two Barnet.

The Seagulls put the game out of sight by the interval after two goals from Adam Virgo and further strikes from Nicky Forster and Matt Richards.

Playing in front of 2,571 fans, Albion were given the perfect start when Virgo scored his second goal in as many games since returning to the club after just two minutes.

Virgo, who started in central midfield before switching to a right-back role, was left unmarked at a Kevin McLeod free-kick and took advantage by powering a header past keeper Rob Beckwith.

Forster headed a McLeod corner onto the crossbar seven minutes later before doubling his tally for the season on 28 minutes.

The experienced frontman latched onto a neat flick from strike partner Glenn Murray and smashed home from 12 yards.

Virgo showed his aerial prowess again on 35 minutes when he scored his second with another towering header at the far post from McLeod's corner.

Matt Richards completed the first half goal-blitz a minute before the break with a low curling free-kick from the edge of the box.

Both sides finished the game with ten men following two late red cards. Defender Kenny Gillet was dismissed for Barnet 12 minutes from time following an attempted headbutt on Murray, who also saw red seven minutes later.

The Albion striker kicked the ball away after being penalised and, having already been booked for the earlier incident with Gillet, was shown a second yellow card.

Albion: Kuipers, Whing (Fraser 47), Hawkins, Elphick, Richards, Cox, Virgo, Thomson, McLeod (Livermore 41), Forster (Robinson 73), Murray.

Subs not used: Mayo, Lynch, Sullivan, Hart.

Barnet: Beckwith, Devera, Gillet, Bishop, Yakabu, Adomah, Porter, Birchall (St Aimie 82), Medley (Hart 83), Tabiri (Leary 77), Carew.

Subs not used: Akurang, Harrison, Charles, Taj.