MANAGER James Webster admits a run in this season's FA Cup would be the "icing on the cake" for his buoyant Brightlingsea Regent side.

The R's have embarked on their first-ever season in the Bostik League premier division and kickstarted their campaign with two victories over the Bank Holiday weekend.

However, despite their success in recent seasons, a cup run is something that has eluded them.

Webster hopes that changes this season and says he and his players are looking forward to tomorrow's first qualifying round tie at Evo-Stik Southern League side Hanwell Town.

An added bonus is that the winners will pocket a cool £3,000.

“It’s important for every club and we could really do with the money," said Webster, who celebrated his 400th game as Brightlingsea manager in Monday's 3-0 victory at Needham Market.

“We'd love to win and it would certainly be nice to have a run in the competition.

"It would be the icing on the cake for us in what's already a special season.

“All young boys want to play in the FA Cup.

“It’s magical and important to all non-league clubs.

“We’re buzzing to be a part of it and we’ll be doing everything in our power to produce a good performance, to hopefully get the right result."

Meanwhile, Webster believes his squad is shaping up nicely, especially now they have been given the green light to play new signing Freddie Gard.

Regent needed international clearance to play the former Southend United Academy starlet because he only recently returned to England after a spell in Canada.

He played in both Bank Holiday fixtures, as did another recent recruit, former Brentwood Town man James Love.

Love has already shown his versatility, playing at full-back, centre-half and in midfield.

And Webster believes that adaptability will be a useful attribute going forward.

“We’ve got a small squad and a small budget so it’s really important that players can fill in in different positions," he said.

“James is a great example of that.

"He’s played in four different positions already, because he’s versatile and a good footballer.

“Overall, the squad’s taking shape now.

“It always seems to happen.

"You panic in the summer because you’ve missed out on certain players but it just seems to evolve.

“Certain people become available because they haven’t had the offers they were expecting to get.

“You pick players up along the way and I’m pleased with what we’ve got now."