BURNHAM manager Paul Shone believes his side were underestimated by Bury Town in their 1-0 FA Cup win on Saturday.

The Blues went into the first qualifying round tie as underdogs with Bury playing their football two divisions above them in the Isthmian Northern League.

It was a cagey affair at The Gore but a close range strike from Daniel Fosu four minutes into the second half proved to be the difference.

Shone admits Burnham had to ride their luck at times, but it was a deserved win and one that continues to put the Hellenic League club on an upward curve.

He told the Observer: “Bury had a mindset that they could come down here and have the right to win, but my players didn’t let them have it.

“Some of our boys have already played at Isthmian League level and we have others that aspire to do so, plus our captain won the FA Vase final at Wembley last season, so we weren’t worried.

“We done our research on them and set up a gameplan that worked for us. The result might be an upset for some but we were confident and went about our business.

“We controlled the first-half and Bury knew they had to raise their game in the second, but by them it was a little bit too late.

“We rode our luck a little bit in the second half, which you expect, but we also had chances to extend the lead as well.

“We defended brilliantly to keep them at bay so deserved the win over the 90 minutes.

“I think Bury underestimated us a little bit looking at their attitude. The looks on their faces at the end said it all, they were massively disappointed.”

Burnham have now beaten three higher-league teams to reach the second qualifying round of the FA Cup and accrued over £10,000 in prize money.

Shone added: “It’s fantastic for the players and for the club to progress. The FA Cup is great for little sides like us to generate finances and get some good press.

“The club has had its fair share of bad press in years gone by but we’re starting to change that now.”

Their reward is a trip to National League South big-spenders Billericay Town in the second qualifying round on Saturday 22nd September (3pm).

Shone admits it the Blues would need a miracle to win at Billericay, but he believes the tie will go a long way to putting the club back on the map.

He explained: “I told the players what an opportunity we now have. It’ll be a great day out and exciting for everyone at the club.

“We will give it our best shot but Billericay will be massive favourites. To get anything out of the game would be a miracle, but we will believe and give a good account of ourselves.

“It’ll be a great tie for us as Billericay are the favourites to get promoted from the National League South, but we will look to give them a scare if we can and enjoy the day.”

Burnham are in the FA Vase and a second qualifying round tie away at Wellingborough Town this Saturday (3pm).