Byron Harrison put Bristol Rovers to the FA Cup sword for the second time in three seasons as the Gas crashed out with a 2-1 defeat to non-league Barnet.

The striker had previously scored a brace for Barrow to knock the Gas out in 2016 and came off the bench to complete a remarkable comeback for the National League side who advance to round two to face Stockport County.

After Rovers had failed to make their first-half domination pay, they finally took the lead in the second half with Tom Nichols’ first goal for over a year before the visitors struck twice in two minutes to steal the win.

Darrell Clarke made five changes from the side that lost to Scunthorpe United on Saturday, with the Gas’ loan players, such as Jack Bonham, unable to feature.

There was space on the bench, however, for defender Tom Lockyer, who had made his first start for Wales in Albania just 24 hours earlier.

The Gas got off to a bright start, controlling possession and forcing the visitors back into their own half – although they were unable to take the chances that came their way.

Alex Rodman shot wide from 20 yards before Liam Sercombe saw a goal-bound effort blocked by a defender as Rovers looked for an early goal.

They should have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Joe Partington’s cross broke to Kyle Bennett, eight yards out and in acres of space with the goal gaping, yet the Gas attacker went for power rather than placement and cracked his effort against the woodwork.

Rodman then found space inside the box, but his low effort on the turn was saved by Mark Cousins.

The Gas should have had a penalty in the 28th minute when Ollie Clarke’s shot was charged down and broke to Nichols, eight yards out, and he was clattered into by Cousins, only for referee Lee Swabey to award a goal kick.

Yet the Gas’ pressure eventually subsided and Barnet came back into the game without really offering much pressure up front as the first half ended with a whimper.

After a meandering first 15 minutes of the second half, Darrell Clarke made a double sub to spur the Gas into action, sending on Daniel Leadbitter and Stefan Payne.

The change gave Rovers a fresh attacking impetus and they took the lead in the 62nd minute when Bennett beat his man and cut inside, sliding in a cross-shot that was stabbed home by Nichols.

It was the striker’s first goal since October 31, 2017, and prompted nice scenes as every single Gas outfield player ran over to celebrate with him.

The goal prompted Barnet into action and they almost levelled 10 minutes later when Adam Smith flapped at a cross, dropping it at the feet of Josh Walker, whose shot deflected off the keeper and was cleared off the line by James Clarke.

Barnet eventually equalised in the 75th minute when Dan Sweeney floated a nice ball into the box into the path of Craig Robson, who produced a brilliant finish to lob over Smith.

They made it 2-1 two minutes later as Harrison slid in to convert Dan Sparkes’ low cross.

A late Gas rally did not fully materialise, aside from a late Daniel Leadbitter chance off the line, as not for the first time this season, the Gas failed to take their chances.

How they must wish they still had a goal-scorer called Harrison of their own – they exited the field with fans fully venting their anger.

Bristol Rovers: Smith; Partington (Leadbitter, 59), J Clarke, Craig, Kelly (Lockyer, 78); Rodman, Sercombe, Upson, O Clarke (Payne, 59), Bennett; Nichols. Subs (not used): Andre, Menayese, Lines, Matthews.

Barnet: Cousins, Alexander, Johnson, Reynolds, Robson, Adams, J Taylor, Fonguck (Sparkes, 72), Sweeney, Duku (Walker, 34), Bettamer (Harrison, 66). Subs (not used): Matrevics, Harrison, Coulthirst, Elito, Mason-Clarke.

Attendance: 2,740 (96 away)