BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent boss Tom Rothery believes his side are capable of an FA Cup giant-killing as they prepare for the visit of former Football League outfit Torquay United.

The teams are set to meet in a third qualifying round showdown at the Taydal Stadium on Saturday week (October 6).

Regent booked their place after a 2-1 victory at home to Egham Town, in a replay on Tuesday night.

Billy Hunt and Jake Turner scored their goals and now all eyes will be on the visit of Gary Johnson's Gulls.

“Now that we're through, I'm buzzing about it,” said Rothery.

“Torquay are huge and I'm really exciting about pitting my wits against someone like Gary Johnson.

“It's almost like a first-round tie that's come round early, in my opinion.

“Torquay are one of the biggest non-league clubs around, even though they're only a division above us, but I certainly believe we can win.

“You've got to be like that.

“If you don't believe you can win a match, there's no point turning up.

“It'll be tough, of course.

“We'll pay them huge respect and have them watched.

“But it won't be easy for them coming to Brightlingsea, either.

“It'll be a great game and one I'm really looking forward to, as are the players.”

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While delighted to talk about the prospect of playing Torquay now, Rothery had vowed not to get too carried away before the Egham match.

“I was really angry after Saturday's game (when the sides drew 3-3, necessitating the replay) and eager to put things right tonight,” he said.

“On the back of yesterday's draw, it was important just to come out and concentrate on the match and I didn't even mention Torquay.

“I was excited by the prospect, of course, but didn't want to talk about it until we were through.

“We had a job to do first and it would have been disrespectful to Egham.”