Collins demands for more funds, to bring in the four players he thinks he needs to guarantee the Cumbrians safety this season, has had a dramatic rebuff from Mark Knighton, plunging the manager’s future into doubt.

Without the addition of new players into the squad Collins believes the Cumbrians are in real danger of losing their Football League status which they have hung onto by a thread in each of the last three seasons.

The cup win gives Carlisle a trip to Tranmere Rovers in the second round but there was no euphoria for Collins, more concerned about next Saturday’s league game against Scunthorpe than the prospect of a cup run.

An emotional Collins said after the game: ”It’s great tonight to get a win in the cup. It gives something for the supporters to look forward to when we go to Tranmere. Maybe I’ve done Ian Stevens and the supporters an injustice by not playing him. Tonight’s performance looks as if I was wrong, I don’t mind admitting it. He did well tonight and was a great addition to the team. At the end of the day I don’t want to take the gloss of it but my concern is Saturday and every Saturday to the end of the season. The performance can’t paper over the cracks, the squad is not strong enough, two injuries tonight and we’re back to square one. We went to Plymouth on Saturday and for the first time in my life as a manager I went to try and get a nil all draw and it’s just depressing to see that. Then you go to bring in some new players and the door is closed in your face. I feel all the enthusiasm has been drained out of me. My situation is now on a day to day basis and I fear for the wellbeing of the club. The last two days has been a big knock back for me to be totally honest.”

Barnet almost took the lead with two minutes gone. Ben Strevens overhead kick was saved by Peter Keen and Mark Winstanley’s subsequent clearance ricocheted off Stuart Niven and fractionally wide of the post.

Ian Stevens settled in quickly alongside Richie Foran and his 20th minute cross was met by a Steve Soley shot comfortably saved by Lee Harrison.

Barnet were certainly playing the better football with Purser and Bell going close before an Arber header flew narrowly over from a Gower corner.

Heald then had a header cleared off the line by Lee Andrews but as the half drew to a close Carlisle came more into the game.

Foran headed wide from a Brendan McGill cross before turning provider with Stevens volleying his penetrating cross narrowly wide.

Just after the break McGill wasted a great chance after breaking in from the right, choosing to pass when a clear shooting opportunity was there for the taking.

Foran then rattled a right foot shot past the post before the breakthrough came for the Cumbrians in the 57th minute.

McGill found space down the right and his perfect cross found Soley unmarked for the midfielder to power a header past Harrison for his first goal of the season.

Heald then headed over for the Bees and Gower’s thundering drive shaved the angle of post and bar.

With ten minutes left Foran almost wrapped things up with a scintillating run past three players before crashing a shot against the advancing Harrison.

In injury time Foran spurned a great chance, blazing his shot over the bar following an intelligent lay off from Ian Stevens.

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