BRIDPORT 1

ST AUSTELL 0

BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker has described the Bees’ 1-0 FA Cup extra-preliminary round replay win over 10-man St Austell as a “massive confidence boost”.

Following Liam Eddy’s dismissal on 10 minutes for a headbutt on Leigh Bailey, a powerful low drive from Ed Butcher on 37 minutes was enough to separate the two sides, who drew 1-1 in Cornwall on Saturday.

And Fricker told Echosport his players, who earned the club £1,500 in prize money, were “delighted” after the final whistle.

He said: “They are a very good side, but to be fair we played very well, we were delighted.

“From a financial perspective it’s a nice little buffer. It’s a massive confidence boost to have two very good results against a very good side.”

Explaining Butcher’s goal, Fricker said the angle of the free-kick lead to Bridport changing their plans.

“It was a free-kick 25 yards out on the angle. Andy played it to Ed and it was a cracking strike low into the bottom corner,” he said.

Bridport will contest a home tie against their Toolstation Western Premier League rivals Street in the first preliminary round next Saturday.

Fricker said: “Street are one of the best teams in the league. It will be another tough test but I’m confident in the lads and the squad we have this season that we’ll be a match for them.

“The lads need to get their heads straight and go into the Cadbury Heath game.”