TORQUAY United manager Gary Johnson admitted being impressed with FA Cup opponents Brightlingsea Regent – and said the R’s were “no mugs”.

He felt his Gulls side had to be professional and defend “vigorously” to win Saturday’s third qualifying round tie 3-0.

Jamie Reid, Asa Hall and Jake Andrews scored their all-important goals to put the Devon side in the hat for Monday’s draw.

However, Johnson, a well-known manager in professional football following spells with the likes of Peterborough United, Yeovil Town and Cheltenham Town, was quick to praise hosts Regent.

“Brightlingsea were a lively team but, in the end, we showed enough quality to win the game,” he said.

“They came at us after half-time.

“They were quick to play balls over the top and had some willing runners looking to get in behind us.

“You’re always going to have spells when you’re under pressure and have to defend, which we did vigorously.

“We showed real spirit and were quick and lively to make sure they didn’t get in one-on-one with our goalkeeper.

“Whoever you play, they’re going to have opportunities but we scored some good goals and had another five or six opportunities.

“We kept our work-rate. Our players could have come here and thought they could relax a bit, but there was no chance of that happening and they looked very fit."

Johnson said he could see why Regent had progressed through a couple of rounds in this season’s FA Cup.

“I was impressed with Brightlingsea,” he added.

“They’re no mugs, that’s for sure, and credit to (manager) Tom (Rothery).

“I can see why they got through a couple of rounds because they look a bright, young and athletic team.

“They looked sharp on occasions and had three or four players who looked quite dangerous.

“We had to be very aware of where they were and what they were doing.

“But from our point of view, when you come to places like this, you have to be professional and do a job. I thought we did that.

“I was very pleased with the goals we scored and it’s great that we’re still in the cup.

“In the end, I don’t think anyone could question the fact that we went through.”