BRANTHAM Athletic joint-boss Michael Brothers always backed his side to win Saturday’s FA Cup first-qualifying round tie at home to Spalding United – thanks to their newfound “inner-belief and confidence”.

The on-song Imps are unbeaten in 19 competitive matches – a proud record stretching back into last season.

The weekend success was their third in the FA Cup, having previously eliminated Wivenhoe Town and Welwyn Garden City.

And they are also still going strong in the FA Vase, having already knocked out Stansted.

“It was a massive result,” said Brothers, who runs the side with Matt Carmichael.

“We were a bit shaky and nervous early on but deep down, I think we knew we were going to win.

“We’ve got that inner-belief and confidence now and know that even when we’re not playing well, we’ll keep going and going.

“To be fair, neither keeper had a lot to do.

“It was always one of those games where one goal was going to make a difference.

“Thankfully we were the ones who got it and it’s huge for the club.

“In ten years’ time, or when the boys have finished playing, they’ll look back on this and realise what a massive achievement it is.”

The winning goal came in the latter stages, after a perfectly-weighted pass out wide to Brothers.

The joint-manager delivered a cross from the left that took a slight deflection before being turned in by prolific striker George Clarke.

“George has got serious quality,” said Brothers.

“If it hadn’t been for his injuries, there’s no way he’d be playing at this level.

“He’d be a lot higher but what’s happened has happened and he wants to do the best he can for himself now, by scoring goals for Brantham.

“Because of his size, people probably think he’s going to be all about flick-ons and holding the ball up.

“But he’s got so much more to his game and he’s brilliant with the ball on the floor, running at people.

“I think he catches a few defenders out because if they don’t know about him, he’s not the type of striker they’re expecting him to be.”

Brantham had made the first qualifying round on two previous occasions but never got further until now.

The first half had been tight, with little between the sides and not much to report.

Spalding had fashioned the two best chances – one lashed over and another headed narrowly wide.

Midfielder Craig Hughes went close after the break with a long-range effort that whistled just wide of the right-hand post.

Step-four Spalding then had another couple of headed efforts but both flashed over the bar.

It looked like a tight contest may end goal-less, necessitating a midweek replay, but instead Clarke’s heroics capped a memorable day for Brantham.

Striker Sam Newson was unable to play after picking up a minor injury in the previous weekend’s FA Vase victory at Stansted.

“It was such an important game and we couldn’t have anyone playing at 80 to 90 per cent,” added Brothers.

“He picked up a niggle last weekend and that’s what you have a squad for.”

Brantham have been rewarded with another home date, this time against National League South outfit Eastbourne Borough.

The second round qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, September 22 and each winning club will receive £9,000.