IT wasn’t pretty, but Bridgwater Town manager Richard Fey said he was “just pleased to be in the hat” following his side’s scrappy 1-0 victory over Brislington in the FA Cup preliminary round on Saturday.

Karim Rendell’s 24th minute strike was the difference for the Robins, but Fey admitted his side’s performance was “far from their best” against a Brislington side who reached the fourth qualifying round last season (full report inside).

He said: “I was pleased to get through to the next round, but we didn’t play very well at all, we were far from our best.

“It was a typical cup game and we didn’t perform the way we have done in previous weeks.

“But all that matters is that we are through to the next round, that’s what I told the lads before and after the game. In cup football, all that matters is that you win, and we’re in the next round.

“Credit where it’s due, Nathan Rudge was superb for us again on Saturday, he doesn’t shut up on the pitch and is a natural leader – he’s really helped us to keep clean sheets with his organisation.

“We’ll need to improve in the coming weeks, but we set up to get through to the next round and that’s what we have done.”

The Robins have been drawn away to Bodmin in the first qualifying round, with the game to be played on Saturday, September 13 – and the club have also secured £1,950 in prize money from Saturday’s win.

l THE Taunton and District Saturday Football League kicks off on September 6.

A few teams have dropped by the wayside during the summer but the League welcomes four new teams.

Bishops Lydeard Colts have made a comeback, The Gallery have formed a new Reserves side and both Fivehead and North Curry have joined.

Highbridge Town have moved up to the Somerset County League.

Turn inside for Saturday’s fixtures.