Michael Brothers, Brantham Athletic’s joint player-manager (alongside Matt Carmichael), provided the cross for George Clarke to steer home the winner in a 1-0 home success over Spalding United on Saturday.

East Anglian Daily Times: Brantham are on the defensive as Kern Miller (No. 6) heads narrowly wide for Spalding United. Picture: PAUL VOLLERBrantham are on the defensive as Kern Miller (No. 6) heads narrowly wide for Spalding United. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Paul Voller)

Now the Blue Imps have another home tie to look forward to, against National League South side Eastbourne Borough in the second qualifiying round on Saturday, September 22.

On Saturday’s win, Brothers said: “I thought it was a deserved win, although it was quite an even game.

“There were no real chances, but I thought we just did what we needed to do, against a team from a higher division. We didn’t perform amazingly well, but we defended really well.

“Our centre-halves were excellent, and Jack Sibbons was fantastic – I don’t think he lost a header all afternoon.

East Anglian Daily Times: Brantham Athletic's joint player/manager, Michael Brothers, in action on Saturday. Picture: PAUL VOLLERBrantham Athletic's joint player/manager, Michael Brothers, in action on Saturday. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Archant)

“We did everything we needed to do, so it was a fantastic day for the club.”

Referring to the winning goal, Brothers continued: “As the game went on, we managed to get the ball down, which is our strength.

“I found a little space and got down the left. I cut it back and George (Clarke) came in and finished it in the top corner. It was a good finish. The ball was at hip height, so it was one of those when you’re not sure whether he’s going to volley or head it.

“George managed to get his foot up there. He’s done that so far this season, scoring the goals that we have needed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Brantham's George Clarke (blue) is about to tackle Spalding captain Ben Davison during the Suffolk side's 1-0 win. Picture: PAUL VOLLERBrantham's George Clarke (blue) is about to tackle Spalding captain Ben Davison during the Suffolk side's 1-0 win. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Paul Voller)

“Spalding didn’t really threaten us. They had a few long throws and a few corners, but they didn’t carve us open.”

Match-winner Clarke said: “We were not scared of Spalding, because we knew what we can do. We really had just one chance. I didn’t know whether to head or to volley it. I was buzzing when that went in.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Hugs and handshakes all round as Brantham Athletic players celebrate their FA Cup success on Saturday. Picture: PAUL VOLLERHugs and handshakes all round as Brantham Athletic players celebrate their FA Cup success on Saturday. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Paul Voller)

East Anglian Daily Times: It's all smiles as Brantham players Louie Newland (No. 14), Jack Sibbons, Michael Brothers and Callum Bennett celebarte at the final whistle. Picture: PAUL VOLLERIt's all smiles as Brantham players Louie Newland (No. 14), Jack Sibbons, Michael Brothers and Callum Bennett celebarte at the final whistle. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Paul Voller)

East Anglian Daily Times: Brantham players and staff in a celebratory huddle following their 1-0 win over Spalding United. Picture: PAUL VOLLERBrantham players and staff in a celebratory huddle following their 1-0 win over Spalding United. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Paul Voller)

East Anglian Daily Times: Brantham's Jack Marshall almost gets a boot in the face as he makes a brave challenge. Picture: PAUL VOLLERBrantham's Jack Marshall almost gets a boot in the face as he makes a brave challenge. Picture: PAUL VOLLER (Image: Paul Voller)