Tonbridge are looking to start what we hope will be a run reminiscent of the one from two years ago when we begin this year's campaign at Isthmian South East side Hythe Town, although the game is subject to a morning pitch inspection.

It'll be a reunion with a number of Hythe's coaching staff and playing staff having either played with or for Jay Saunders, or for Tonbridge.

Jay said:  "Steve Watt was my captain at a previous club, and was my assistant too so I know him really well, we've spoken about four times this week, they've also got Frannie Collin and Jake Embery who've played for me too. It'll be tough place to go but it would have been tough had it been at home. Lower league sides are always up for it. We've got to show them respect, they're having a good season, but if we carry on with the work rate and attitude of the last few games it should be enough to see us through.

"Obviously since I've been here we haven't had a cup run. Supporters talk about us not having a good run so it's important, not just for the club but for the supporters, but it won't be an easy game, but it's important we get through this early round and keep going on this run."

Regarding team news, we welcome two players back from suspension, but there's mixed news on the fitness front:

Jay Saunders said: "Jamie Fielding we'll have to wait and see where he is; Kodi Lyons-Foster is ahead of schedule, we were looking at Christmas but he's ahead of schedule, and Jernade Meade's away on international duty and Joe Tyrie's played for Sittingbourne in the Trophy. I put it to him whether he wanted to play and he was keen because it looked like it was going to be a season loan."