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FA Cup third round qualifying preview

TONBRIDGE Angels have the chance of claiming a major scalp in the FA Cup on Saturday when they travel to Nationwide Conference North side Worcester City in the third round qualifying.

A £5,000 windfall awaits the winners and Angels player-manager Tony Dolby is keen to add it to the £3,750 earned from their victory over Fisher Athletic in the last round.

Saturday's opponents may be two divisions above the Angels, but they are struggling, third from the bottom with just one win from nine.

Dolby said: "This may be a good time to catch them. I’ve played against them a couple of times with Welling and they’re usually a big, strong side. But we have nothing to lose and will go out to enjoy our day."

Dolby (dead leg) is one of five players carrying injuries. He is a doubt along with Danny Lye (Achilles), Steve Harris (nose), John Beales (ankle) and Nick Barnes (shoulder).

Saturday’s kick-off has been brought forward to 2pm to avoid clashing with England's World Cup qualifier against Austria, which starts at 4pm.

Margate may be able to welcome back Kola Okikilou for Saturday's FA Cup clash with Cray Wanderers at Hartsdown Park.

Okikilou has been sidelined with a thigh muscle tear but is recovering. However, midfielder Pat Gradley will be out for a further two to three weeks after consulting a specialist about his knee ligament problem.

Gate assistant boss Kevin Raine said: "It’s a good draw for us and we should get a fair crowd, and we see it as a good opportunity to progress in the competition.

"I saw them against Fleet recently and their manager Ian Jenkins has got them very well organised."

Kick off on Saturday is at 2pm. If a replay is needed it will be at Hayes Lane, Bromley, on Tuesday night.

Bromley face a major FA Cup test when they entertain Southern League Premier Division side Mangotsfield on Saturday.

But Lillywhites manager George Wakeling believes his players have the ability to produce a shock.

He said: "My partner in crime, Billy Smith, went to watch them and said it’ll be a very hard and difficult game. They’ve one or two players who stand out, but we’re quietly confident of getting a result.

"The ball’s in our court and it will all depend on if we can take the game to them and keep our discipline."

Ramsgate manager Jim Ward is hoping to see his side bounce back against Walton & Hersham in the FA Cup after they lost their unbeaten home league record at the weekend.

Ward and several members of the Rams committee travelled to Essex to see Walton in action against Chelmsford at Billericay on Monday night.

He said: "It’s important to go and see future opponents play, because knowledge is important"

The tie will kick off at the normal time of 3pm after Walton were unable to agree to Ramsgate’s request to bring forward the kick-off time to avoid a clash with the England match.

Ward added: "They felt they couldn’t change as it would upset their preparations for such a big game which it is for both sides. I don’t really care to be honest, because I’m Scottish!"

Folkestone Invicta play at home to Ryman League Premier Division rivals Staines.

James Dryden will hope to add to his goal tally after notching his 100th Invicta goal on Monday.

Saturday's match kicks off at 2pm.

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