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Ebbsfleet United and Dartford ready to clash in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round at Stonebridge Road

Paul Lorraine Picture: Andy Payton
Paul Lorraine Picture: Andy Payton

FA Cup fever has descended on north Kent ahead of the biggest local derby in recent memory.

Ebbsfleet United and Dartford clash at Stonebridge Road on Saturday in a game which could land one of them a live televised game against a Football League giant.

Victory in the fourth qualifying round tie guarantees prize money of £12,500 as well as significant bragging rights.

And the two men leading their sides into battle know exactly what it would mean to their supporters to put one over their fiercest rivals on the big stage.

Ebbsfleet skipper Paul Lorraine works at a school in Gravesend, while his opposite number, Elliot Bradbrook, lives in Dartford.

Lorraine said: "It’s never 'just another game’ when we play Dartford.

"It’s the dream draw for us. There’s an extra excitement to the game because the FA Cup is a massive competition.

Elliot Bradbrook
Elliot Bradbrook

"I feel more at home in Gravesend than where I live in South London. I walk down the High Street and quite often I get recognised.

"It’s a good rivalry with Dartford and I’m very excited.”

Bradbrook will lead the Darts out for the first time in a fortnight after serving a one-game suspension.

He said: "It’s one of the best games in the round.

"Ebbsfleet are one of our biggest rivals and I’m sure it will be quite fiery.

"Ebbsfleet have tended to be in a higher league than Dartford in recent times, they’ve had the upper hand, so you recognise what it means for our fans.

"With it being the last qualifying round of the FA Cup, it does add a little bit extra."

Kick-off at Stonebridge Road is at 3pm.

Read all the FA Cup build-up in the Gravesend Messenger and Dartford Messenger.

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