Unbelievably Tonbridge Angels play our first FA Cup tie at Longmead in front of fans for five years on Saturday when Merstham are the visitors. Not since a game against Eastbourne in 2019 have we had a home draw not affected by Covid.

For those not familiar with how the qualifying works, step two clubs like us enter at this, the second qualifying round stage. Teams playing today need three wins for a place in the first round where clubs in the bottom two divisions of the football league come in, and there's also a cheque for £3,375 for the winners, plus a guaranteed minimum £1,875 for reaching the next round.

This is our first game against Merstham since the memorable 2019 Isthmian Premier Division play-off final, which we won 2-0 with goals from Chinny McKenzie and a Joe Turner penalty, the game which sent us through to the super play-off final against Metropolitan Police.

Jay Saunders said: "The FA Cup is very important to us. As a management team and a group of players we're desperate to have a run and give the supporters a run, which we haven't had for a few years. We'll take it very seriously, Merstham have some very good players, and we're preparing the boys as best we can.  

"We'll treat it just like a league game. I won't be looking to rest players, we'll go as strong as we can, no rotation, we'll play the strongest team we can to win the game."

Captain Scott Wagstaff will be assessed before the game on the calf injury that's kept him out, and apart from the longer term injuries Jay has a full squad to choose from.