AN EXCELLENT strike from Simon Dunn helped Basingstoke Town through to the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup away at Southern League Division One outfit Bridgwater Town on Saturday.

The midfielder found the top corner of the net from fully 30 yards to double the lead on 29 minutes, adding to Liam Enver-Marum’s early goal.

It was a comfortable afternoon for Town against a Bridgwater side who approached the game with very limited ambitions. The Southern League outfit defended in numbers from the start, looking to use the pace of the impressive Kyle Tooze on the break.

It was a strategy that they never wavered from, even when trailing by two goals, and while Town found it difficult to break them down, they were in full control throughout.

Things could have been much more difficult for Town had Tooze made the most of a good chance after six minutes. A one-two on the edge of the area put Daine O’Connor in behind the visitors’ defence and his cross fell to the winger, but Stuart Moore was across his goal quickly to save at the near post.

A minute later, and Town were ahead at the other end. Enver-Marum was given time to turn on the edge of the area and his low shot found the bottom corner.

The visitors were well on top, totally dominating in terms of possession and territory. They could have had a penalty when Tom Bird seemed to be brought down in the area, but referee Tim Wood waved his appeals away.

O’Connor then had a great chance to level for the hosts, slicing wide from Tom Knighton’s cross after finding himself unmarked six yards from goal, but Dunn’s spectacular strike gave Town a cushion just before the half-hour.

Town seemed to take their foot off the pedal after the second goal, but Bridgwater were unable to take advantage, O’Connor curling a low shot narrowly wide after more good play by Tooze.

The pattern of the second half was much the same as the first, with Town enjoying plenty of possession while the hosts got 10 men behind the ball and retreated to the safety of their own penalty area.

Louie Soares’ low ball in almost caused an own-goal, Nathan Rudge slicing the ball over his own crossbar, with goalkeeper Ben John making a mess of the resulting corner.

When they did venture forward, Bridgwater continued to create chances, with Jay Gasson making two good blocks to deny Tooze.

However, the visitors went close to adding a third on 73 minutes, when a good turn and pass from Sam Argent released Enver-Marum, but John did well to save his shot one-on-one.

Bridgwater were a little more positive in the closing stages, with Rudge heading a free-kick wide and Tooze and Knighton fizzing low shots across goal, but Town saw the game out to reach the next round and claim £4,500 in prize money.

Click here to see a post-match video interview with Basingstoke manager Jason Bristow.

PLAYER RATINGS

Stuart Moore – 7 (out of 10)

Didn’t have much to do but made a good save with the game goal-less and controlled his area well.

Nathan Smart – 6

Given problems by Tooze defensively. Not really in the game going forward.

Tom Bird – 6

Got into some good positions but starved of the ball. Not his best game defensively.

Louie Soares – 8 (Gazette Star Man)

Took up good positions and helped Town keep the ball. Provided more threat than most to the Bridgwater defence.

Jay Gasson – 7

Not really troubled but made a couple of good blocks.

David Ray – 7

Tested very little defensively. Helped to get attacks started.

Simon Dunn – 8

A busy performance in midfield, topped with a wonderful goal.

Shaun McAuley – 6

Little impact on the game.

Liam Enver-Marum – 7

Took his goal well but generally kept quiet by the home defence.

Chris Flood – 6

Starved of service and not afforded any space by Bridgwater.

Manny Williams – 6

Never really allowed to get a foothold in the game by Bridgwater’s deep-lying midfield.

SUBSTITUTES

Sam Argent (for Flood 70min) – 7

No real chances in front of goal but a good pass released Enver-Marum.

Jamie Brown (for Dunn 74min) – 6

Helped Town to see the game out.

Andrew Jenkinson (for McAuley 78min) – 6

Kept the ball well in the closing stages.

Subs (not used): Rice, Macklin, Owusu, Blackwell.

Bridgwater Town: John, Allen, Allward, Thomas, Rudge, Robertson (sub Horton 90+1min), Hurley (sub Rendell 62min), O'Hare (sub Chamberlain 85min), Knighton, O’Connor, Tooze. Subs (not used): Grimshaw, Govier, Heyward.

Attendance: 282