CRAIG Edwards has branded FA Cup opponents Weymouth ‘favourites’ after Billericay Town drew them in the Third Qualifying Round of the competition.

The Town boss was speaking after the draw yesterday in which Billericay were handed a home tie against the Southern Premier League side.

And he said it was the sort of draw he was hoping for, after they beat Raynes Park Vale in the last round on Saturday.

“It’s not a bad draw at all,” said Edwards. “I don’t know much about them, but they are doing well in their division and it is the sort of draw I was hoping for.

“They are fourth in their league so I would say they are favourites heading into the match, which isn’t a bad thing. We seem to have trouble dealing with the expectations of some people when we are expected to win games so it will be good to play a team like Weymouth.”

Edwards said his team could have scored 19 goals in the 2-1 win at the weekend and called on his team to take their chances to ease pressure from the stands.

“We could easily have scored more at the weekend and sometimes I think the level of expectation is unrealistic. A few more lucky breaks and we would have had a hatful of goals at the weekend.”

Billericay play Wingate & Finchley in a friendly match this week after last night’s game against Enfield Town was postponed due to an FA Cup replay.

Meanwhile East Thurrock United have also been drawn at home, where they will face either Conference South side Bishop’s Stortford or Ryman South opposition in the shape of Tooting & Mitcham United.

The two replay tonight and Coventry said he would prefer to see the lower-league opposition progress, although whoever they faced would provide a stern test.

“It is an interesting draw,” said the Rocks manager.

“I suppose on the face of it you would rather draw a side in a lower division but should Stortford win, we will give them a good game too.

“We are always competitive. If you look at the Chelmsford City game two years ago (East Thurrock went out on penalties in the final qualifying round after the replay ended 4-4) you will know we never go down easily and I believe we can get through.

“We have a home draw so hopefully we will get a good crowd to support us and we can do well.”

Canvey Island are on the road at Barton Rovers in the next round, having overcome Burnham at the weekend.

This is Canvey’s third away draw in a row but they will have their work cut-out against the Southern Football League Division One club, who produced one of the results of the last round to beat Margate away from home.

Barton sit mid-table in their division after nine games and will be hopeful of another upset when the Gulls come calling.

All the games will be played on Saturday, October 11.