SHERBORNE TOWN 0 BRIDPORT 1 (AET)

BRIDPORT boss Trevor Senior admitted it was a “big relief” to eventually get past Sherborne Town and book a home clash with Larkhall Athletic in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup next Saturday.

Gary Bulman became the hero for the Bees in last night’s preliminary round replay at Raleigh Grove – his winning goal came just three minutes from the end of extra-time.

But Senior knows his side certainly rode their luck on the way to defeating the Zebras, who they had drawn 3-3 with last Saturday.

Sherborne squandered a great chance to settle the tie late in normal time but a penalty given for a foul by Ryan Hayter came back off the crossbar.

Bees’ keeper Ashley Weeks then tipped a shot onto the post moments later to leave the hosts with that feeling it just wasn’t going to be their night.

Warren Byerley and Bulman went close in the first period of extra-time, while Jamie Symes had an effort from point-blank range saved by the Sherborne keeper.

However, after Tom Richardson had sent a shot just wide and with a penalty shoot-out looming, Shane Evans delivered a low cross which Bulman turned home.

Senior is now hoping his players can take the confidence gained from their cup success into Saturday's league match against reigning champions Melksham Town at St Mary’s Field (3pm).

Commenting on the Sherborne triumph, he said: “I think we deserved to go through over the course of the tie.

“We had the better of the first half on Wednesday and they probably had the edge in the second half, and they had a great chance to win it with the penalty.

“I said to the players at the end of normal time we rode our luck with that, and when something like that happens you have a feeling it’s going to be your day.

“It was a big relief to get through and we’ve got nothing to lose now against Larkhall.

“The win at Sherborne should also give the lads more confidence for Saturday’s game against Melksham.

“It’s just a case of regrouping and making sure we are up for it.”

Senior will assess the fitness of Darren Watts, Chris Senior and Evans before Saturday's contest.

Bees: Weeks, Evans, Clarke, Hill, Senior (Gale 60, Beasley 116), Hayter, J Symes, Watts (Richardson 95), Peach, Byerley, Bulman. Subs not used: A Symes, Cleal.