BRIDPORT manager Adam Fricker felt his side “thoroughly deserved” to progress after a fine 3-1 win over Street at St Mary’s Field in their FA Cup preliminary round clash.

Two goals from Mark Salter and a third deep in injury time from teenager Declan Cornish dwarfed a Harry Foster goal to see the Bees through to the first qualifying round.

For boss Fricker, the victory over Toolstation Western Premier Division rivals Street signalled the club’s progression.

He told Echosport: “We played them at the back end of the season last season and they had a very similar side and strengthened with a couple of players.

“For us it was a big marker to where we’ve come from because they were just a class above then, whereas we matched them and thoroughly deserved to win the game. They admitted that there was no luck about it, for sure.”

The two sides went into the break 1-1 in what Fricker described as an “even affair”.

“It was quite an even affair and then Tom put it on a plate for Salts to head the ball into an empty net because of the quality of the ball Tom had put in.

“Al Hill was struggling with an injury and their wingers got in behind him. Hutch pulled off a great save and their central midfielder finished it off. The message for us was just to do the same and come out stronger in the second half.”

And prophetically, Bridport scored two unanswered goals to go through to the next round.

Fricker said: “Andy Martin whipped a free-kick in and Salts got across his man and slid in to finish it off. It was pleasing as they put us under pressure but nothing that was troubling Jase.

“The third came when they chucked everyone up for a corner. They left one lad and him and Declan went one on one and he finished it off from 35 yards which was a relief!

“I’m chuffed for the lads, they wanted to react to Wednesday and there was no better way than what they did yesterday.”

The victory seals £1,925 for the Bees and Fricker is now hoping for a tie against Southern League opposition.

“It would be nice to get one of the local Southern League sides so we can get a decent crowd if we can get a home tie. We’re just delighted to get this far and whatever we do after this will be a bonus,” he said.

Bees: Hutchings, Hill (Thomas 46), Andrews, Bailey, Martin, Vere, Richardson (Butler 88), Hebditch (Cornish 70), Symes, Butcher, Salter

Subs not used: Peach

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