Exciting times at Heybridge Swifts, and a two-pronged Cup campaign was strengthened on Saturday with FA Trophy success at Bracknell Town.

With a money-spinning FA Cup tie against Bristol City just two weeks away, Heybridge did well to confirm their attacking qualities with a display that suffocated the hosts' midfield dominance for long spells.

Two opportunites told the story of this match. The first, and Swifts' opener, came on six minutes as, having not allowed the hosts to settle, Kevin Budge showed his predatory instincts in the box to fire in.

The second defining moment came on the break, with Bracknell desperately searching a last minute equaliser, the Essex side leapt forward on the counter attack, and Leon Hunter clipped in the second.

Maybe harsh on Bracknell, who enjoyed spells of good pressure with no reward in the final third. Heybridge's finishing quality told though, and they'll need to be on top form for the forthcoming visit of the Division Two form side.

Published Sunday November 3, 2002