Badshot Lea boss Gavin Smith could see the positives after his side beat Balham 4-1 in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, although he insists his side still have room for improvement.

Lamin Ceesay was the hat-trick hero as the Baggies progressed to set up a mouthwatering tie at home to Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Cray Valley Paper Mills – who played Charlton Athletic in the first round proper last season – in the first qualifying round on Saturday, August 31.

The Baggies started brightly against Balham and took the lead in the ninth minute when Ceesay rifled home after a good move involving Kai Allsopp and Harvey Harry.

James Anderson equalised for the visitors on 46 minutes, but the Baggies restored their lead five minutes later when Harry slotted home into an empty net.

Ceesay made it 3-1 in the 86th minute with a calm finish, before completing his hat-trick in stoppage time.

“We are getting better and are moving in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement,” said Smith.

“At 1-0 up we’ve let Balham make it 1-1 and get back into the game. Balham are a good side who play good football, but we can’t let teams back in like that.”

Alton continued their unbeaten start in the Combined Counties Premier Division South with a 2-2 draw at Jersey Bulls on Saturday afternoon.

The Brewers took the lead on 16 minutes when George Bowerman broke clear and slotted home.

Alton nearly doubled their advantage three minutes later when Scott Sanderson poked the ball towards goal, but the ball was hooked clear off the line after a goalmouth scramble.

The visitors went 2-0 up in the 21st minute when Owen Tanner broke away and slipped the ball past the advancing Euan Van der Vliet.

Joe Kilshaw pulled a goal back for Jersey on 32 minutes, and the equaliser arrived in the 48th minute when Rai Dos Santos tapped in under pressure at the far post.

Alton manager Kevin Adair was happy to return home with a point.

“There are so many positive for us to take,” said Adair.