PETERSFIELD Town’s manager Ian Saunders thanked his side for giving him the perfect birthday present – another giant killing in the Emirates FA Cup.

The Rams boss celebrated his 40th birthday in style on Saturday night after his side beat Southern Premier Division outfit Cirencester Town 3-1.

Their reward is a home tie in the third qualifying round of the competition – the Rams will play Vanarama National League South side St Albans City at Love Lane on Saturday, October 10.

Two goals from Joe Briggs and a header from Howard Neighbour extended Petersfield’s best ever run in the world’s most famous cup competition, and the Rams now sit just two games away from making it into the first round proper where they could draw the likes of Portsmouth.

“The Cirencester result certainly made the birthday beers flow on Saturday night,” said Saunders.

“The lads put in another great performance and we fully deserved our victory – and if we had taken our chances it could have been by a few more goals.

“I’m pleased we have been drawn at home in the next round – that is what we wanted. St Albans will give us a really tough match but we will give it our best shot and do our best to get through to the next round.”

Full details for the game against St Albans City are expected to be announced by the club later this week.