Badshot Lea co-manager Gavin Smith praised his side after their comprehensive 5-0 victory at Thame United in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon.

It was a historic day for the Baggies as it was the club’s first game in the FA Trophy in their 116-year history.

And Smith’s side marked the occasion in style with an emphatic away win.

The visitors broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Callum Wiltshire’s delivery found George Hedley, who smashed home.

Lamin Ceesay doubled the Baggies’ advantage on 24 minutes with a fine half-volley.

Ceesay fired home on 30 minutes to make it 3-0, before completing his hat-trick in the 68th minute.

George Frise completed the scoring when he finished from close range on 84 minutes.

The Baggies’ reward for their victory is a home tie against fellow Isthmian League South Central Division outfit Sutton Common Rovers on Saturday, September 23 – and Smith was delighted with his side’s performance at Thame.

“We produced a really good performance and fully deserved the victory,” said Smith.

“All we can do is judge the performance on our expectation levels – and we were good.

“The pitch was lovely and was really good for playing football on – which suited us and the way we like to play the game.

“Once we got the first three goals in that eight-minute spell the game was won.

“We kept possession well – which was really important on a hot day.

“The first goal came from the second phase from a corner, which was pleasing.

“Lamin has made a big impact since joining us, and it was great that he got his hat-trick. Our third goal – Lamin’s second – was a great goal.

“The fifth goal came from a lovely bit of play from Kane Fitzgerald, and George has tapped it in.

“We actually had chances to score even more goals – we do need to work on being more clinical because in closer games you have to take those chances as they are the difference between winning and losing.”

Saturday’s victory made it back-to-back wins for the Baggies in all competitions, and Smith is pleased with how his new-look squad is coming together after a difficult start to the season.

“It was always going to take a bit of time to settle with the new players coming in,” said Smith.

“We knew the players we were bringing in had good quality – but it takes time.

“The lads who were here last season can see how good the new players are, and we’re starting to build some momentum now.”

The Baggies have added to their squad with the arrival of midfielder Kai Allsopp on loan from National League South outfit Slough Town.

The new recruit came off the bench at Thame to make his debut for the club – and Smith is delighted to have Allsopp on board.

“Kai is a quality player and will be a really good addition for us,” said Smith.

“We are always looking to add to the squad where it’s possible.”

Danilo Cadete – who was part of last season’s Combined Counties Premier Division South promotion-winning squad – has left the Baggies.

“It’s always difficult to lose good people,” said Smith.

“Danilo was a big part of the club but he wasn’t involved in squads – and when that’s the case a player is always going to ask why and consider his future.

“We wish Danilo all the best going forward.”

The Baggies return to Isthmian League South Central Division action with a trip to Guernsey on Saturday (2pm), and Smith is expecting a tough test for his side.

“We’ve got to get to Guernsey and back in a day – so there are lots of extra things we need to think about,” said Smith.

“We’ve got an early flight from Gatwick – which isn’t easy to get to – and we’ve got to think about where the players are going to have a pre-match meal once we get there.

“It’s not like Jersey with the hospitality you get there – we have to be out and back in a day.”