BRIDGWATER TOWN 1

BRIDPORT 1

BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker says the Bees have “nothing to lose” when they take on Barnstaple Town in their FA Cup first qualifying round tie at St Mary’s Field on Saturday (3pm).

Barnstaple lie one league above Bridport and Fricker believes just getting to this stage is “a little bit of a bonus”.

He said: “It’s one of those where we haven’t got anything to lose. Getting this far is fantastic so for us it’s just a little bit of a bonus.

“All we’ve got to focus on is just going out and enjoying it. The pressure is off and it’s down to us to go out and enjoy it and play some attacking football. We’ll give it all we’ve got and see what happens.”

Fricker revealed he has been given “inside info” on Barnstaple after their recent clash with Bideford on Monday.

He said: “We’ve had a bit of inside info. They played Bideford on Monday afternoon so they gave us a bit of a lowdown.

“We’re aware of how they’ll look to set up formation wise. We know a few of their players and what they are about so it’s certainly not an unknown for us.”

Fricker added that there is a “buzz” around the club in the run up to the game.

“We’re all looking forward to it. There’s a buzz around the club. It’s just a case of giving it a go and seeing what happens,” he said.

Fricker was “disappointed” not to get three points after his side had the better of play in their Toolstation Western Premier Division 1-1 draw at Bridgwater Town.

The Robins took the lead on 28 minutes through a dipping Jake Llewellyn volley, but Mark Salter equalised from the spot after Richard Hebditch was fouled in the area.

Bridport were left to rue an inspired display from Robins keeper Jake Viney, who made three outstanding saves to retain parity.

Fricker said: “I suppose going into the game away from home, getting a point we would have been happy.

“The way we played, it’s disappointing not to get all three points.

“They went ahead with a crossfield ball and one of the lads got in at the edge of the box and it was a cracking finish.

“We dominated until half-time when Braeden Symes played Richard Hebditch through for a penalty which Salts tucked away.

“If it wasn’t for their keeper pulling off three outstanding saves I think we would have won quite comfortably.”

Bees: Hutchings, Andrews, Vere, Bailey, Martin, Symes, Wood (Thomas 85), Richardson, Butcher, Hebditch, Salter (Thomas 67). Subs not used: Hannam, Peach, Butler

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