BRIDPORT resume their quest for FA Cup glory against Chard Town at Zembard Lane tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

The winners of this Preliminary Round replay will land a home tie with Southern League outfit Bath City in the First Qualifying Round and also bag a cheque for £1,000.

The Bees are long overdue a good run in the competition and vice- chairman Adrian Scadding said progress would provide a massive financial boost.

He added: "It makes a big difference if you have a good run in the Cup and it takes a lot of pressure off.

"Bath get gates of around 600 every week so if we get through we can expect a big crowd at St Mary's Field. Apart from the sponsorship draw, the cups provide the only other income as most of our gate receipts are taken up by running costs and players expenses.

"The FA Cup is everyone's dream and if we can get through tonight's match I think we would have a good chance of pulling off a shock in the next round."

The Bees only came to life in the closing stages of the original tie on Saturday to grab the equaliser and salvage a replay.

Manager Bob Russell is hoping his players will make the most of another opportunity and he is boosted by the return of captain Gary McAuley, who passed a fitness test on Monday after missing three games with a knee injury.

Russell said: "We have to improve our attitude, commitment and

quality with the final ball. The last 10 minutes on Saturday is how we should now play and address the replay.

"They have signed some good

players and it was always going to be a difficult tie with that extra edge because it is a local derby."

Former Robins boss Russell is returning to the ground where he spent several successful years in the 1990s, but he insists being familiar with the notorious Zembard Lane slope will not benefit his team.

He added: "It does not give anyone an advantage. It will be two different games depending on which way we are playing, so your tactics are totally different for each half.

"It will be good to have McAuley back because of his commitment and passion which is something we will need to show throughout the side if we are going to win."

Bridport (from): Peters, Linney, Dennis, Copeland, Ritchie, Leach, McAuley, Gawen, Radcliffe, Hitchcock, Austin, O'Brien, T Cunningham, Harmer, A Cunningham.