BRIDPORT boss Chris Herbst admits he is motivated by an FA Cup dream for the 2024/25 season, but only if the Bees finish the current season strongly.

Bridport have not entered the FA Cup since they were relegated from Step 5’s Toolstation Western League Premier Division following a disastrous 2021/22 season.

Entry to the FA Cup is usually reserved for Step 5 clubs, with the remaining spots going to the best-performing Step 6 teams on a points-per-game basis.

Sides relegated from Step 5 in the 2023/24 season cannot enter the competition.

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It means Bridport, currently third in the South West Peninsula League Premier East, must finish as high as possible to stand a chance of putting their name in the velvet bag.

However, the Bees currently sit 26 points behind leaders Ivybridge and six adrift of Crediton, in second.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Herbst said: “We definitely want to get that second place secure.

“Looking at Crediton, they’ve got some tough games but we just need to keep the pressure on and be winning our games.

“I can’t stress enough that we need to get back to winning ways and get a good run going. Everyone knows that, so that’s the target.”

On the prospect of potentially managing in the FA Cup one day, Herbst added: “It would be unbelievable.

“I’ve been down watching (Adam) Fricker and Trevor Senior when they were on FA Cup runs.

“The buzz around would be on another level. We’re targeting to be back in there and hopefully we can have a little run.”

Bridport were scheduled to visit Bishops Lydeard yesterday evening and host Cullompton Rangers on Saturday (3pm).

Elsewhere, the FA has written to clubs in Step 6 to confirm there will be no extension to the league season.

Bridport still have 12 league matches to play, their season ending at home to Dartmouth on Saturday, April 27.